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CERVICAL CANCER
 
What is cervical cancer?

When cells in an area of the body grow abnormally, cancer can develop. Cervical cancer is abnormal cell growth of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus or womb.

Cervical cancer is a serious disease that can be life threatening. When a woman becomes infected with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and does not clear the infection, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix.

 Cervical cancer predominantly is caused by certain types of HPV.

If not discovered early and treated, these abnormal cells can become cervical precancers, which then turn into cancer cells. This can take a number of years, although in some cases, it can happen within a year. Talk to your healthcare professional about a Pap test (also known as a Papanicolaou smear), which can help detect suspicious cell changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer.

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How common is cervical cancer?

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women (behind breast cancer). The World Health Organization estimates that there are currently more than 2 million women in the world who have cervical cancer. Every year, 490,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed. That is more than 1,350 new cases per day.

Nearly 650 women worldwide will die every day from cervical cancer in 2006, according to the World Health Organization. That is why it is important to talk to your healthcare professional about a Pap test, which can help detect suspicious cell changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer.

Cervical cancer can occur at any age in a woman’s life, beginning in adolescence (although uncommon).  About half of all women diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years of age. Many of these women were most likely exposed to HPV during their teens and 20s. 

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How is cervical cancer detected?

The primary way to detect cervical cancer is through a Pap test. A Pap test (also known as a Papanicolaou smear), as part of a gynecological exam (checkup), helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become cervical precancer or cervical cancer. The results of a Pap test can help healthcare professionals decide if further testing (for example, a biopsy or HPV DNA test) or treatments are necessary.
Click here to learn how Pap test results are reported.

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Can cervical cancer be treated?

Like other cancers, cervical cancer can be treated in several ways. Some things a healthcare professional will consider before choosing a treatment include:
  • The size of the cancer and whether it has spread
  • The woman's age and overall health
  • Patient preference

The 3 main methods of cervical cancer treatment are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment may include 2 or more of these methods. The treatment plan will also include specific follow-up visits with the healthcare professional. These follow-up visits may include x-rays, biopsies, blood tests, and other examinations.

Because everyone is unique, each person responds to treatment differently. The treatment that is right for one person may not be right for someone else. The healthcare professional will review all of the risks and side effects of the best treatment options for cervical cancer.

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What can I do to decrease my chances of getting
cervical cancer?

Pap screening is the best way to decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer. If detected early, before they have the chance to spread, cervical precancers (and even some cancers) can be treated successfully. In the United States between 60% and 80% of women who are newly diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer had not had a Pap test within the 5 years before being diagnosed, and many had never had one at all.

So, be sure to follow your healthcare professional's recommendation about Pap tests, which help detect suspicious cell changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer. You can also learn from your healthcare professional about other ways to decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer.

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Cervical cancer is life threatening, but you have the power to reduce your risk of getting it. Learn about the connection between cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, abnormal cervical cells, and other consequences in the other sections of this site. Talk to your healthcare professional for even more information.

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