Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the human papilloma virus – HPV. This leads to tumorous changes in the cells of the lining of the cervix. This process takes place slowly – a period of between 10 and 15 years of chronic exposure of the virus to the cervix is ​​necessary. It is transmitted during sexual intercourse. Before tumor cells form, they go through a precancerous stage called cervical dysplasia. HPV infections are common. After infection, the immune system is usually able to eliminate the virus naturally within a few months. Sometimes, however, the immune defense does not provide an effective immune response and the infection becomes chronic. This leads to the development of condylomas, precancerous changes and subsequently tumor processes in the mucous membrane of the cervix. Between 80-85% of cervical cancers are epidermoid carcinomas, which develop from the squamous epithelium. The other types of tumors are adenocarcinomas, which arise from glandular cells. If dysplasia is not detected in time and the necessary therapeutic approach is not taken, cells undergo tumor changes and cancer progresses. The tumor develops from the surface cells of the mucous membrane of the cervix and subsequently spreads deeply into the surrounding tissues. Tumor invasion can affect the vagina, but also when it enters the lymphatic pool of the cervix, it facilitates the spread to other parts of the body. What are the risk factors for developing cervical cancer? Early onset of sexual contacts, as well as frequent change of partners. This increases the risk of infection with different variants of the virus; Presence of concomitant sexually transmitted infections – chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and others; Irregular examinations and Pap smear follow-up; Sexual intercourse without protection; Smoking; Age; Decrease in immune protection due to various diseases or due to treatment – chemotherapy, biotherapy for autoimmune diseases, suppression of the immune system during transplantation, in order not to reject the graft; Long-term use of oral contraceptives – the influence of hormones on the risk of developing cervical cancer is still being clarified. References: https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/cancers/cancer-col-uterus/causes-prevention.html