ABSTRACT
Studies of cervical cancer are always complicated by a lack of accurate information on sexual activity of women and especially their partners. Human papilloma virus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are important candidates as the principal carcinogen, which is clearly transmitted sexually. A 2003 review of the studies – including those which identified and controlled for the presence of HPV – leads to the conclusion that the COC may act as a cofactor, speeding transition through all stages of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In this respect it is similar to, but certainly weaker than, cigarette smoking.
