All types of HPV can cause mild Pap smear abnormalities that do not have serious consequences.
Approximately 10 of the 30 identified genital HPV types can lead, in rare cases, to development of cervical cancer.
Research has shown that for most (90%) women, cervical HPV infection becomes undetectable within two years; only a small proportion have persistent infection.
Persistent infection with certain types of HPV is the key risk factor for cervical cancer.
A Pap smear can detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix. Frequent Pap smears and careful medical follow-up, with treatment if necessary, can help ensure that pre-cancerous cells in the cervix caused by HPV infection do not develop into life-threatening cervical cancer.
The Pap test used in U.S. cervical cancer screening programs is responsible for greatly reducing deaths from cervical cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimated that about 12,800 women in the United States were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in 2000. In 2001, approximately 4,600 women will die from cervical cancer.
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