Specific types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) are major aetiologic ag
ents of cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis and anus, Although
genital HPV infections are extremely common in both male and female p
opulations, only a very small minority is at risk for developing a gen
ital cancer, As with other sexually transmitted infections, the highes
t rates of genital HPV infection are found in individuals in their ear
ly twenties, Detectable HPV DNA is often transient, Cancer-associated
HPV types persist a relatively longer time than other types do. The ma
jor risk factors for HPV infection involve sexual behaviour, particula
rly multiple sex partners. Factors including cigarette smoking, oral c
ontraceptive use and pregnancy do not appear to play much of a role in
the acquisition of HPV infection.