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Human papilomavirus (HPV): A viral infection called the human papilomavirus causes about 90% of all cervical cancers. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and about 30 can be sexually transmitted through oral, anal or vaginal sex. About half of the sexually transmitted HPVs are associated with cervical cancer because they produce a protein that can cause cervical cells to grow uncontrollably. The virus produces a second protein that interferes with tumor suppressors that are usually produced by the body's immune system to control the growth of cells. The HPV–16 strain is thought to be a cause of about 50% of cervical cancers. Women who have HIV have weakened immune systems because the virus infects the body's CD4 cells (helper T–cells that help destroy foreign substances that enter the body). Therefore, HIV–infected woman are more likely than non–infected women to develop HPV. This also means that HIV–infected women have a greater chance of developing cervical cancer than non–infected women. In addition, women who engage in sexual behavior that puts them at risk for developing HIV (such as unprotected sex or having sex with multiple partners) also puts them at risk for developing HPV that could lead to cervical cancer. Smoking: Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer than non–smokers. HIV patients who smoke have an even greater chance of developing cervical cancer. Tobacco smoke produces chemicals that can damage the DNA of cervical cells, which may eventually lead to cancer. Women who are HIV–infected have impaired immune systems that are unable to correct these pre–cancerous cells.
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