Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes on a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.

Other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer—
-Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
-Smoking.
-Using birth control pills for a long time (five or more years).
-Having given birth to three or more children.
-Having several sexual partners.

Content source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention