Which HPV types are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide?

Explanation

## HPV Types and Cervical Cancer Risk **Key Point:** HPV 16 and HPV 18 are high-risk (oncogenic) types that account for approximately 70% of cervical cancers globally. HPV 16 alone is responsible for ~50% of cases. ### Classification of HPV Types | HPV Type | Risk Category | Association | Prevalence in Cervical Cancer | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 16, 18 | High-risk (oncogenic) | Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma | ~70% | | 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68 | High-risk | Less common than 16/18 | ~25–30% | | 6, 11 | Low-risk | Benign warts, RRP | <1% of cancers | | Others | Variable | Rare malignant potential | Minimal | **High-Yield:** The quadrivalent (HPV4) and nonavalent (HPV9) vaccines target HPV 16 and 18 as priority types because of their overwhelming contribution to cervical cancer burden. **Clinical Pearl:** HPV 18 is associated with adenocarcinoma of the cervix and has a worse prognosis than HPV 16–associated squamous cell carcinoma. **Mnemonic:** **"Sweet 16 & 18"** — the two most important HPV types to remember for cervical cancer prevention and screening.