What is the major cause of cervical cancer?

HPV: Human papilloma virus has been identified as the primary reason of cervical cancer in > 99% of cases. That's why it is paramount for all sexually active women age 20 and older to have their pap smears done on a regular basis.

Human Papiloma Virus: Hpv is the most important etiologic factor, with most (99.7%) tumors containing hpv dna. Hpv-16 and 18 are the 2 most common high-risk types detected in more than 70% of malignancies. Other high-risk types include 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73, and 82. Peak infection incidence is in the late teens and early 20s, but in 80% of patients, the infection resolves within 12 to 18 months.