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Viruses

Some virus infections can cause cancer, though the disease often appears several decades afterwards. For example, cancer of the cervix is linked to infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes genital warts. In this case, the DNA in the virus mixes with the cell's DNA, triggering changes that make the cell grow and multiply. Vaccines against cancer-causing viruses may soon be available and could eliminate these cancers.

Human papilloma virus.
Human papilloma virus.
Wellcome Photo Library

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