Final answer:
The main cause of cervical cancer is an HPV infection, which interferes with normal cell division and can lead to the growth of a tumor. Other risk factors can increase the risk of cancer in HPV-infected individuals. The HPV vaccine and Pap smears are important for preventing and detecting cervical cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main cause of cervical cancer is HPV infection. The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that is responsible for more than 90 percent of cervical cancer cases. This virus can interfere with normal cell division, leading to the growth and multiplication of mutated cells, resulting in a tumor. HPV enters body cells and uses its genetic material to hijack the host cell's processes for its own replication, which can eventually lead to cervical cancer.
Although there are other risk factors such as smoking, a weakened immune system, early sexual activity, and multiple sexual partners, these factors mainly increase the risk of cancer in individuals already infected with HPV. Therefore, the HPV vaccine is an important preventive measure to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Additionally, routine screenings like the Pap smear are crucial for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer.