Cervical cancer is primarily caused by a persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus. Nearly all cervical cancers are linked to HPV infection, with types 16 and 18 responsible for about 70-75% of cases worldwide

. HPV is transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact, vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and sharing sex toys

. While most HPV infections clear up on their own without causing problems, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to changes in cervical cells. These changes may progress to precancerous lesions and, if untreated, develop into cervical cancer

. Other factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer include:

• Having a weakened immune system, such as from HIV infection or immunosuppressive medications, which makes it harder to clear HPV infections

• Smoking, which can weaken the immune system and increase the likelihood that HPV infections persist and cause cancer

• Early sexual activity and having multiple sexual partners, which increase exposure to HPV

• Reproductive factors such as giving birth to multiple children or starting childbirth at a young age

• Long-term use of oral contraceptives, which slightly increases risk

• Previous cancers of the vagina, vulva, kidney, or bladder

In summary, the root cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, with additional risk factors like immune suppression, smoking, and reproductive history influencing the likelihood of progression to cancer