What is the relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer?

  HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and about 80% of women have been infected with HPV. Usually HPV disappears within 6 to 12 months after infection, and the rate of persistent HPV infection is 30% after 1 year and only 9% after 2 years. Only persistent HPV infection is the most important risk factor for malignant transformation of cervical epithelium, as it increases the risk of cervical cancer 250-fold. In general, it takes at least 10-15 years from initial HPV infection to precancerous lesions and eventually to cervical invasive cancer.  Epidemiological data show that there is a causal relationship between genital HPV infection and the occurrence of cervical cancer, and more than 90% of cervical cancers are combined with HPV infection. Foreign countries report positive rates ranging from 70% to 93%.