The vulva, vagina, penis and anus also can be affected by these carcinogenic strains. In developing countries, where Pap smears are not available, rates of cervical cancer are really high. Not all women infected with HPV get cervical cancer, however. Others may have cell-mediated immune responses against the proteins E6 and E7. Further, women who use tobacco have higher rates of cervical cancer.
Smoking is considered a cofactor for the disease to develop.
HPV DNA integrates into the host genome. Normally, if the cell DNA is damaged, p53 is in charge of stopping the cell cycle so the DNA can be repaired. Now, if the DNA is altered, the cell keeps replicating. Hm, sounds familiar. Retinoblastoma normally keeps the cell from growing too fast or responding to growth stimulators.