Topic Overview
Is this topic for you?
This topic talks about the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of
cervical cancer. For general information about abnormal Pap test results, see
the topic
Abnormal Pap Test.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the
cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower
part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer can often be
cured when it’s found early. It is usually found at a very early stage through
a
Pap test.
What causes cervical cancer?
Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called
human papillomavirus, or HPV. You get HPV by having
sex with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all
types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause
genital warts, but other types may not cause any
symptoms.
You can have HPV for years and not know it. It stays in your body
and can lead to cervical cancer years after you were infected. This is why it
is important for you to have regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find changes in
cervical cells before they turn into cancer. If you treat these cell changes,
you may prevent cervical cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Abnormal cervical cell changes rarely cause symptoms. But you may
have symptoms if those cell changes grow into cervical cancer. Symptoms of
cervical cancer may include:
- Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal,
or a change in your
menstrual cycle that you can't explain.
- Bleeding when something comes in contact with your cervix, such as
during sex or when you put in a diaphragm.
- Pain during
sex.
- Vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
As part of your regular pelvic examination, you should have a Pap
test. During a Pap test the doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from the
surface of the cervix to look for cell changes. If a Pap test shows abnormal
cell changes, your doctor may do other tests to look for precancerous or cancer
cells on your cervix.
Your doctor may also do a Pap test and take a sample of tissue
(biopsy) if you have symptoms of cervical cancer, such
as bleeding after sex.
How is it treated?
Cervical cancer that is caught early can usually be cured. If the
cancer is caught very early, you still may be able to have children after
treatment.
The treatment for most stages of cervical cancer removes the
cancer and makes you unable to have children. These treatments include:
Depending on how much the cancer has grown, you may have one or
more treatments. And you may have a combination of treatments.
It’s common to feel scared, sad, or angry after finding out that
you have cervical cancer. Talking to others who have had the disease may help
you feel better. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. You can
also find people online who will share their experiences with you.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
The Pap test is the best way to find cervical cell changes that
can lead to cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests almost always show these cell
changes before they turn into cancer. It is important to follow up with your
doctor after any abnormal Pap test result to treat abnormal cell changes. This
may help prevent cervical cancer.
A new vaccine called Gardasil blocks four types of HPV: two that
cause cervical cancer and two that cause genital warts. You get three shots
over 6 months. Gardasil is recommended for females 9 to 13 years old. Females
14 to 26 years also benefit from getting the vaccine. You may have to pay for
the vaccine yourself.
The virus that causes cervical cancer is spread through sexual
contact. The best way to avoid getting a
sexually transmitted infection is to not have sex. If
you do have sex, practise safer sex, such as using condoms and limiting the
number of sex partners you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
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