Cervical Cancer Facts 

What is cervical cancer?

When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer.  The cervix connects the lower end of the uterus (womb) to the vagina (birth canal).  

Cervical cancer develops gradually, beginning as a pre-cancerous condition called dysplasia, which can progress to actual cancer. There are often no symptoms of cervical cancer until the disease is advanced. However, cervical cancer is highly curable when found and treated early. For more information on cervical cancer, visit the CDC Cervical Cancer website.

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

A Pap test (or Pap smear) is used to detect cell changes on the cervix that may become cervical cancer. A Pap test is a routine medical screening test performed during gynecological exams. The test collects a sample of cells from the cervix, which are then analyzed at a lab for abnormalities. 

What is the link to HPV?

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (Human papillomavirus), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire HPV at some point in their lives. You are more likely to get HPV if you started having sex at an early age, or if you or your partner have had sex with several others. However, any woman who has ever had sex is at risk for HPV. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that, over time, it may lead to cervical cancer. For more information about HPV, visit the CDC website on HPV.

What puts you at risk for cervical cancer?

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (Human papillomavirus). In addition to HPV, other things may increase your risk of cervical cancer. They include:

• Not having regular Pap tests.
• Not following up with your doctor if you had an abnormal Pap test.
• Having HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or another condition that weakens your immune system (making it hard for your body to fight off health problems).
• Having multiple sex partners or one sex partner who has many other partners. Either of these increases your risk of HPV infection, which can lead to cervical cancer.
• Smoking.
• Using birth control pills for 5 or more years.
• Having many children or many pregnancies. 

For more information about cervical cancer risk factors, visit the American Cancer Society website.  If you have any of these risk factors, it is important that you talk to your doctor.

Sources:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus
National Cancer Institute

Read more about Cervical Cancer Prevention

Disclaimer: the content of this web page is not medical advice. If you are having a medical problem, contact a health care professional. If you are having an emergency, call 911.