Causes: According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), studies have found that infection with the virus,

, HPV, is the cause of almost all cervical cancers. HPV, also known as the human a illomaviruses, has more than !"# different strains. However, more than $# of these viruses can %e s read through skin to skin and se&ual contact. 'ome t( es of se&uall( transmitted HPV)s can cause genital warts. High*risk or oncogenic HPVs, can cause cancer. +wo s ecific HPV t( es, HPV*!, and HPV*!- are res onsi%le for a%out .# ercent of all cases of cervical cancer. Other Causes: /ieth(lstil%estrol (/0')1 A hormonal drug that was given to women to revent miscarriage %etween !2$# and !2.!. 3omen whose mothers took /0' when the( were regnant with them develo a su%t( e of Cervical cancer called Clear* cell adrenocarcinoma of the cervi&. Risk Factors: Women having many sexual partners can increase the risk of Cervical Cancer, since the HP*Virus can %e s read through se&ual contact. Women who have had 3 or more full term pregnancies. moking is another risk factor. +o%acco %(* roducts can damage the /NA of cervi& cells, thus, contri%uting to the develo ment of cervical cancer. 'moking also makes the immune s(stem less effective in fighting HPV infections. !mmunosuppressants also increase the risk of Cervical cancer as it lowers a erson)s a%ilit( to fight off the HPV infections. "aking oral contraceptives for a long time also increases the risk of Cervical Cancer. 4esearch suggests that the risk of cervical cancer goes u the longer a woman takes 5Cs, %ut the risk goes %ack down again after the 5Cs are sto ed. Women with diets low in fruits and vegeta#les have an increased risk for cervical cancer. Also, overweight women are also more likel( to develo Cervical Cancer. $enetic factors also play a role in Cervical Cancer. If a atient)s mother or sister had cervical cancer, her chances of develo ing the disease are 6 to 7 times higher than if no one in the famil( had it. Risk Factors: *Poor /iet, 5%esit(, 8ulti le se& artners, genetic factors. Immunosu ressant)s, 'moking, and