HPV doesn't turn into cancer. Millions of people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. Most will never develop cervical cancer. However, it does dramatically increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. Just as smoking increases a persons risk of developing lung cancer. Most cervical cancers develop slowly over a long period of time. This is why annual pap smears are recommended. In women that have annual pap smears, the likelihood of developing cervical cancer is very low. If dysplasia is caught early, it is treatable with some minor office procedures.