What is cervical cancer?
99% of cases of cervical cancer are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV), an infection that can be spread from one person to another during sexual activity.
Cervical cancer affects the cervix (the entrance to the womb which is found at the top of the vagina).
There are over 100 types of HPV but only 13 of these are known to cause cervical cancer and just two - types 16 and 18 - cause over 70% of the cases.
Hearing about other people’s experience of HPV and cervical cancer can help some people understand better. Hear a mum speak about losing her daughter to cervical cancer (external site, English only).
There is more information about cervical cancer in the HPV information leaflets.
Related Links
Most eligible girls will receive the Human papillomavirus (HPV) jab at school.
Portraying how the virus enters and infects the bodies cells.