Human papillomavirus (HPV), the link to cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women with more than 14,000 new case diagnosed annually in the United States.1 The link between cervical cancer and HPV has become clear over the past few decades. It is well known that a persistent HPV infection with specific high-risk genotypes account for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.2 It is important to screen for high-risk HPV infections that are at the greatest risk of progressing to cervical pre-cancer and cancer. Cervical cancer is nearly preventable with proper vaccination, screening, and treatment. Identifying women at risk, before disease develops, is an important part of prevention.