Having a high risk HPV strain just puts you at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This does not mean that you will definitely develop cervical cancer. In some cases, your body will clear these high risk HPV strains on its own but sometimes it does not.
When your body is unable to clear the high risk HPV strains, a persistent infection will occur and that can lead to cervical cancer. This is why it is so important to follow-up with your gynaecologist so that he/she will be able to monitor your situation closely.