HPV and cervical cancer

HPV and Cervical Cancer

Although HPV is incurable, most people are able to clear the infection within 2 years. Several risk factors have been identified that appear to be associated with HPV persistence (the inability for the immune system to clear the virus) as well as progression to cervical cancer. The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that half of the women who have cervical cancer have never been screened for cervical cancer. Immunosuppression from any cause, including HIV infection, is recognized to increase HPV persistence and is therefore associated with increased risk of invasive cervical cancer. Cigarette smoking has also been associated with HPV persistence and increases the risk of cervical cancer.