BAX and squamous cell carcinoma: Only limited studies have shown an apparent increase in Bcl-2 expression during the transition from mild dysplasia to invasive cancer, which implies a strong association between Bcl-2 expression and different stages of cervical cancer.24 As the inactivation of p53 may result from its association with viral oncoprotein E6,28,29 HPV infection may not only play a role in the development of squamous cell carcinoma but also might be associated with the increasing rates of proliferation due to the inhibition of p53, resulting in decreased Bax and increased Bcl-2 expression.