Human Papilloma Virus is the primary cause of 99.7% of all cervical cancers and is sexually transmitted. Infection with one or more of the 15 high-risk oncogenic types usually results in invasive cervical cancer after 10-20 years. 

About 70% of all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV  types 16 and 18. Vaccination against high-risk HPV greatly reduces the incidence of HPV associated Cancers. This vaccine is usually offered to girls aged 12 and 13  as well as boys to them protect against cancers caused by HPV. The vaccine works best in young people, before they are likely to have come into contact with the virus.