Epidemiology of Cervical Cancer and Papillomavirus

The methods and results of recent molecular epidemiological research on the role of human papillomavirus in cervical cancer etiology are reviewed. Other possible agents are also discussed, as are the implications for clinical practice and population screening.

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Use of sensitive molecular biological methods for detecting human papillomavirus (HPV) in epidemiological studies has produced convincing evidence that this virus plays a causal role in cervical cancer. This volume reviews the traditional and molecular epidemiological evidence, and the natural history of HPV infection. The various methods for type-specific detection of HPV are examined, as well as methods for identifying the presence of other sexually transmitted agents that have been postulated at various times as having a role. Applications of knowledge of the importance of HPV in cervical cancer aetiology discussed include use of detection of the virus in screening for women at risk of the cancer and also in determining suitable clinical treatment of women with suspected precancerous lesions.