Which two strains of human papillomavirus are most commonly associated with cervical cancer?

The strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer are types 16 and 18. These two high-risk HPV types are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases worldwide. They can cause significant changes to the cervical epithelium, leading to precancerous lesions and, ultimately, cervical cancer if left untreated.

Type 16 is particularly notable because it is one of the most prevalent high-risk HPV strains found in cervical cancer biopsies. Type 18 also plays a crucial role but is less common than type 16. Medical literature strongly supports that persistent infection with these high-risk HPV types significantly increases the likelihood of developing cervical cancer over time.

Other HPV types listed are not typically associated with cervical cancer to the same extent. Types 6 and 11, for instance, are primarily associated with benign conditions like genital warts and low-grade cervical lesions. Types 31 and 33, along with types 52 and 58, do have some association with cervical neoplasia, but they are less prevalent in terms of causing cervical cancer compared to types 16 and 18. Understanding these distinctions is important for effective screening and prevention strategies, including vaccination efforts targeting these high-risk HPV types.