Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer on a worldwide basis and in some developing countries, it is the commonest cancer of all (e.g. India). In the UK, the incidence is approximately 1.25%.
There is a link between incidence and sexual behaviour, there being a higher incidence in those who start sexual activity in their early teens and have many sexual partners. Both low socioeconomic status and multiparity (many pregnancies) are also related, although these factors may not be unconnected to the others. Barrier contraceptive use seems to protect.
