Overview
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix. It usually grows slowly over time, often starting with abnormal cell changes that can be detected before they turn into cancer. Because early disease may not cause symptoms, screening plays an important role in prevention and early detection.
Key Symptoms
Cervical cancer may cause no symptoms at first. When symptoms happen, they can include unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause. Other symptoms may include unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex, or pelvic pain. These symptoms can also happen with other conditions, so medical evaluation is important.
Causes and Risk Factors
The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV, a very common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin sexual contact. Most HPV infections go away on their own, but some last for years and can lead to cell changes in the cervix. Risk can be higher in people who are not vaccinated against HPV, do not have regular screening, smoke, have a weakened immune system, or have HIV.
Who Is Affected
Cervical cancer affects people who have a cervix. It is most often diagnosed in adults, especially those who have not had access to regular screening or HPV vaccination. The burden is higher in many low-resource settings where screening and treatment services are harder to access.
Prevention
HPV vaccination is a major way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Regular cervical screening can find abnormal cells or HPV infection before cancer develops, allowing early follow-up and treatment when needed. Not smoking and getting appropriate care for conditions that weaken the immune system may also help lower risk.
Diagnosis and Tests
Cervical cancer may be suspected after abnormal screening results or because of symptoms such as unusual bleeding. A healthcare professional may do a pelvic exam and tests that can include HPV testing, a Pap test, colposcopy, and a biopsy to look at tissue under a microscope. If cancer is confirmed, imaging and other tests may be used to find out how advanced it is.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the person's overall health, and personal goals such as future fertility. Main treatment categories include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Care is usually planned by a specialist team.
Living With It
Living with cervical cancer can affect physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, fertility, and sexual health. Support from cancer specialists, counselors, support groups, family, and community resources can help. Follow-up care is important after treatment to watch for side effects, recovery needs, or signs the cancer has returned.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you have bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, ongoing pelvic pain, or unusual vaginal discharge. Also seek care if you have an abnormal screening result or missed recommended screening. Early evaluation can help find problems sooner.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask what tests are needed, whether symptoms could be related to the cervix, and what your screening schedule should be. If cancer is diagnosed, ask about the stage, treatment options, possible side effects, effects on fertility or sexual health, and what follow-up care will involve. If HPV vaccination is relevant for you or your family, ask when it is recommended.