Which of the following is responsible for Cervix Cancer?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary infectious agent responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer.
High-risk HPV types, particularly 16 and 18, are the most oncogenic strains, accounting for approximately 70% of cervical cancers.
The virus's oncogenic potential stems from its E6 and E7 proteins, which inactivate the host's tumor suppressor genes, p53 and RB, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and malignant transformation.
The link is so strong that prevention strategies, including vaccination and screening, are centered around detecting and protecting against HPV.

Option A: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a primary cause of liver inflammation and is strongly associated with the development of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), not cervical cancer.
Option B: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) does not directly cause cervical cancer. By causing severe immunosuppression, it impairs the body's ability to clear HPV infections, thereby accelerating the progression from HPV infection to cervical cancer in co-infected individuals.
Option D: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium, not a virus. It is a well-established cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and is the strongest known risk factor for stomach (gastric) cancer.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Cervical Cancer as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are central to public health efforts in preventing cervical cancer through patient education on HPV vaccination (e.g., Gardasil 9), which is recommended for adolescents to prevent infection before sexual debut.
A key nursing role involves counseling women on the importance of routine cervical cancer screening via Pap tests and/or HPV DNA testing for early detection of precancerous changes.
Nurses must provide non-judgmental care and accurate information about HPV, as it is a common sexually transmitted infection, to reduce stigma and encourage testing and treatment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks for the specific causative agent of cervical cancer.
This is a factual recall question that relies on your knowledge of microbiology and oncology.
Systematically evaluate each option by recalling the primary disease associated with it.
Eliminate Hepatitis B, as it is linked to liver cancer.
Eliminate H. pylori, a bacterium linked to stomach cancer.
Consider HIV. While it's related, it's an immunodeficiency virus that accelerates HPV's effects rather than being the direct cause.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 331-333

E6 Microbiology OneStop Sastry p. 165-167

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 1-3

Practise the full MP CHO-2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.