Risk factors for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells grow in the cervix.

The World Health Organisation says cervical cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women.

It is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Kenya, with an estimated 3,200 deaths in 2020.

It is caused by a persistent infection with one or more of the high-risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus.

The WHO says although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women.