The primary factor in the development of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV infection has been detected in approximately 98% of cervical cancer cases. There are over a hundred types of this virus, which is generally transmitted sexually; specifically, Types 16 and 18 carry a high risk for cancer development, while Types 6 and 11 cause genital warts.
In addition to HPV infection, other factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer include: starting sexual intercourse at an early age (before 20), having multiple sexual partners, smoking, a weakened immune system, frequent genital infections, multiple births, low socioeconomic status, and deficiencies in vitamins C and A.