Overview

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It usually grows slowly over time, starting with noncancerous changes in cervical cells. If not treated, these changes can lead to cancer that spreads. Because of good screening and vaccination programs, cervical cancer is one of the easiest types of cancer to avoid. It most often occurs in women in their 40s and 50s, but it can occur earlier. Routine screening that finds problems early on greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Symptoms
There are usually no obvious signs of early-stage cervical cancer. As the disease gets worse, symptoms may include bleeding from the vagina that is not normal between periods, after sex, or after menopause. You might have unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sex. Back pain, swollen legs, or problems with urination can happen in later stages.

Causes
Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer. Early sexual activity, having many partners, smoking, a weak immune system, and not getting regular screenings are all risk factors. Taking birth control pills for a long time and having more than one pregnancy may slightly raise the risk.

Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosis is a Pap smear, which looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. Testing for human papillomavirus finds infections that are more likely to be dangerous. A colposcopy and biopsy show that cancer is present. Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans can tell how far along the disease is and how far it has spread.

Treatment
The person's stage and general health will determine the treatment. Surgery to remove the affected tissue may be used to treat cancer in its early stages. For more advanced cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often used. In some cases, options to protect fertility may be considered. It is very important to follow up regularly.

When cervical cancer is found early, the chances of survival are very good. Vaccination and screening have greatly lowered the number of cases and deaths. Timely treatment and regular follow-up improve long-term survival and lower the risk of complications.