The evidence for a viral aetiology in cervical cancer Critically appraise the evidence for a viral aetiology of human cervical cancer Human cervical cancer ranks as one of the most important cancers. In the West, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Overall, it is the most common cancer with a possible viral aetiology worldwide, followed by hepatocellular carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's lymphoma. There is now a lot of evidence for an aetiological role of HPV in cervical cancers.
Promiscuous women are far more likely to develop cervical Ca.
The disease is common among prostitutes whereas it is virtually unknown in nuns. Several sexually transmitted agents have been implicated including Herpes Simplex and human papilloma viruses. However it is now fair to say that evidence of a role for HSV is very slim and now very much discounted. HPV 16 and 18 are the most commonly found. However, other strains may be present, especially in the less dysplastic lesions.