Which HPV subtypes are most strongly associated with cervical cancer?

Which HPV subtypes are most strongly associated with cervical cancer?

• A. 6 and 11
• B. 31 and 33
• C. 45 and 52
• D. 16 and 18

Answer: (D)

High-risk HPV infections drive cervical cancer, and two subtypes are responsible for the majority of cases. HPV type 16 and HPV type 18 are the most strongly linked to cancer because they are highly oncogenic; their E6 and E7 oncoproteins disrupt the cell’s tumor suppressors (p53 and Rb), allowing persistent infection to progress from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive cancer. Together, these two types account for the vast majority of cervical cancers worldwide. Other high-risk types exist but contribute less to cancer risk, while low-risk types like HPV 6 and 11 cause benign warts and are not associated with cancer. Vaccines that cover these high-risk types, along with regular cervical screening, help prevent cervical cancer.

High-risk HPV infections drive cervical cancer, and two subtypes are responsible for the majority of cases. HPV type 16 and HPV type 18 are the most strongly linked to cancer because they are highly oncogenic; their E6 and E7 oncoproteins disrupt the cell’s tumor suppressors (p53 and Rb), allowing persistent infection to progress from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive cancer. Together, these two types account for the vast majority of cervical cancers worldwide. Other high-risk types exist but contribute less to cancer risk, while low-risk types like HPV 6 and 11 cause benign warts and are not associated with cancer. Vaccines that cover these high-risk types, along with regular cervical screening, help prevent cervical cancer.