Risk factors for cervical cancer.

Despite a long history of research into the epidemiology and biology of cervical carcinoma, a definitive statement about its probable causes still remains elusive. This review recognizes the population based data on high and low risk groups and summarizes the findings from numerous case-control studies which have explored the marital, sexual and reproductive factors associated with cervical cancer. Although vigorously pursued, an increased risk from oral contraceptives has not been convincingly demonstrated. A variety of venereally transmitted organisms appear to be frequent cohabitants with cervical neoplastic cells. Herpesvirus type 2 still remains the prime suspect in the complex pathogenesis of cervical neoplasia. Clinical findings, biological characteristics of the virus, serological studies and interactions of host cells and viral particles continue to stimulate the most intensive investigative efforts.