Which virus is most commonly linked to cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus most commonly linked to cervical cancer. There are multiple types of HPV, and certain high-risk strains, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, are known to significantly increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Most sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives, and while many HPV infections resolve on their own, persistent infection with these high-risk types can lead to the development of precancerous lesions and, eventually, cervical cancer.

In contrast, while HIV can contribute to the increased risk of developing cancers due to its immunosuppressive effects, it is not directly responsible for cervical cancer in the same way that HPV is. Herpes simplex virus does not have a strong established link to cervical cancer, and while it can have other health impacts, it does not play a direct role in cervical carcinogenesis. Hepatitis B virus is primarily associated with liver cancer and does not have a significant connection to cervical cancer. This demonstrates that HPV is the key virus to understand in the context of cervical cancer risk.