How are human papillomaviruses (HPVs) associated with the development of cervical cancer?
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 100 viruses. Some types of HPV cause the common warts that grow on hands and feet.
Some HPVs are sexually transmitted and cause wart-like growths on the genitals, but these types do not lead to cancer.
More than a dozen other sexually transmitted HPVs have been linked to cervical cancer.
HPV infection is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer. However, although HPV infection is very common, only a very small percentage of women with untreated HPV infections develop cervical cancer.
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