Cervical Cancer
Overview
Cervical cancer happens here, in the cervix. It’s the
lower part of a woman’s womb (or uterus). If this
cancer is found early, it can be cured. If left
untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body.
Causes
This cancer is often linked to the human
papillomavirus. We call it HPV. You get HPV from
sex. Many men and women have this virus. It can
change some cells in your cervix. The cells then
grow out of control. That’s cancer. Not all women
with HPV will get cervical cancer, but some do.
Risk Factors
You have a higher risk for cervical cancer if you
have sex with many people. It's higher if you start
having sex at a young age. Your risk is higher if you
have a weak immune system, and if you have
certain other sexually-transmitted diseases. You
have a higher risk if someone else in your family
has had HPV. It's also higher if you smoke.
Symptoms
This cancer may not cause symptoms at first. But
as it grows, you may bleed and have a discharge
from your vagina that is different from your normal
periods. Your pelvis may hurt. And sex may be
painful.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the how much your cancer
has grown. Sometimes just the cancer cells can be
removed or destroyed. If this isn't possible, you
may need surgery to remove parts or all of your
cervix, uterus and other tissues.
Screening
Catching cancer early is important. A simple Pap
test (or Pap smear) can find signs of cancer before
it starts. So have regular medical exams. And talk
with your doctor about testing for cervical cancer.