In cervical cancer, which viral infection is primarily associated?

Cervical cancer is primarily associated with infection by human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly certain high-risk strains such as HPV 16 and HPV 18. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause changes in the cervical cells, leading to dysplasia and, eventually, cervical cancer if not detected and treated appropriately. The relationship between HPV infection and the development of cervical cancer is well-established, with HPV being implicated in over 90% of cervical cancer cases. The persistence of high-risk HPV types is a crucial factor, as most individuals will clear HPV infections naturally, but those who do not may develop precancerous lesions and, subsequently, invasive cancer.

Other viral infections, while they may have correlations with cancer or immune system compromise, do not have the same direct causative relationship with cervical cancer as HPV does. Understanding this association is critical in both the prevention and treatment strategies for cervical cancer, including vaccination against HPV as a public health measure to reduce the incidence of this malignancy.