The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. Almost 70% of cervical cancers are caused by a virus called HPV. The virus spreads through sexual contact. Most women's bodies are able to fight HPV infection. But sometimes the virus leads to cancer. There is a higher risk if the patient smokes, has had many children, used birth control pills for a long time, or had HIV infection.
There is an HPV vaccine available for females above 10 years of age recommended by WHO for protection against cervical cancer.