Home

Cervical Cancer

The Facts

Cervical cancer is a rapid, uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells on the cervix. This cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide; only breast cancer is more common. If cervical cancer is not treated, it will spread from the cervix to the vagina, then into deeper tissues around the uterus. As it progresses, it can cause problems with kidney and bowel function. Spread may also occur to the liver and lungs.

The incidence of cervical cancer has decreased in developed countries around the world because of an increase in the use of Pap test screening and appropriate follow-up treatment. In developing countries, however, progress has not been as dramatic.

Symptoms 

  • Early on, there may be no symptoms but the Pap smear test is  abnormal
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding e.g. when something comes in contact with the cervix, such as during sexual intercourse or insertion of a diaphragm
  • Menstrual periods may be heavier and longer
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus or tinged with blood
  • Pain in the pelvic area
  • Painful or difficult urination

Causes

Cervical Cancer is caused by severe abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. The most common cause of these abnormal changes is infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus is found in most women who have developed cervical cancer but most women who have the virus never go on to develop cervical cancer.

Other factors that may result in abnormal cervical cell changes include:

  • Smoking or having a history of smoking.
  • Having an impaired immune system
  • Being infected with HIV
  • Using birth control pills for more than 5 years.

Treatment 

Early cervical cell changes (dysplasia) can be treated using either freezing or heat and this can reduce the risk for further abnormal cell changes. Treatment for cervical cancer may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a  combination of these three methods. The choice of treatment and the long-term outcome (prognosis) of women with cervical cancer depend on the type and stage of cancer.

Prevention  

The Pap test is the most effective screening test for cervical cancer. Pap tests done at regular intervals almost always detect cervical cell changes before the changes become cancerous. Regular screening for and treatment of cervical cell abnormalities can prevent the abnormal cell changes from developing into cancer. The National Cancer Institute's summary points for cervical cancer screening are shown below:

  • Cervical cancer screening should begin approximately three years after a woman begins having sexual intercourse, but no later than at 21 years .
  • Women should have a Pap test at least once every three years.
  • Women, especially those at higher than average risk of cervical cancer, due to factors such as HIV infection, etc., should seek expert medical advice about when they should begin screening, how often they should be screened, and when they can discontinue cervical screenings.


 For further information about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, please call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4 CANCER

Back to Health Ministries

Disclaimer: All content within this Web site is intended for general information only and is not intended as a substitute of any kind for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We are not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this website. We are not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor do we endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own physician if you are concerned about your health.