According to the World Health Organization, around 70% of cervical cancers are caused due to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). In this article, we will discuss if cervical cancer is a type of STD, and whether cervical cancer be contagious.
Is cervical cancer a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
No. Cervical cancer does not transmit through sexual contact. Cancer Research UK states that cervical cancer is not infectious. It does not spread between partners as a result of sexual intercourse. However, in most cases, the cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV increases the risk of some cancers and can pass from one partner to another through sexual intercourse. Cancer is not contagious.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can spread through any type of sexual contact, such as having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone with the virus. Moreover, it also spreads through close skin-to-skin contact. Remember, anyone with HPV can pass the infection to another person even if they do not show any signs or symptoms.
In a nutshell, cervical cancer is not contagious once you have the disease. However, an infection of HPV virus can be contagious.
Can cervical cancer spread from one person to another?
A woman cannot spread cervical cancer to a man or anyone else because cervical cancer is not infectious or contagious. However, the leading risk factor for cervical cancer is HPV, which is mainly spreads through sexual contact. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Safe sexual practices can reduce the risk of transmission of HPV.
Another possibility of spread is through genes. Cervical cancer may run in some families. If a woman’s mother or sister had cervical cancer, the chances of the condition are higher than those with no family history. Genetic epidemiological studies show that genetic factors contribute significantly to disease risk.
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