Cervical cancer: What you need to know

This refers to cancer (abnormal growth of cells) that forms in tissues of the cervix (the connection between the vagina and the womb). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be detected early with Papanicolaou tests (a procedure where cells from the cervix are scraped and looked at under a microscope). Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.


Risk factors

Almost all cervical cancers are believed to be caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some types of HPV can cause changes on a woman's cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.

HPV is so common that most people get it at some point in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms, so you can't tell that you have it. For most women, HPV will go away on its own without treatment; however, if it doesn't, there is a chance that over time, it can cause cervical cancer.

Some risk factors for developing cervical cancer include;

• Smoking
• Immunodeficiency (due to an underlying infection such as HIV)
• Using birth control pills over a long time (over five years)
• Having given birth to three or more children
• Having multiple sexual partners

Signs and symptoms of Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer may not give signs and symptoms in the early stages. Advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you, such as bleeding after sex. If you have any of the following signs and symptoms, see your healthcare provider. They may be caused by something other than cervical cancer, but the only way to know is to see your healthcare provider.

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Abdominal or back pain
• Bloating
• Changes in bathroom habits
• Itching or burning sensation of the vulva
• Changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts