Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a rapid, uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Most abnormal cervical cell changes that develop into cancer are caused by infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Bleeding when something comes in contact with the cervix, such as during sexual intercourse or insertion of a diaphragm.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood.

Cervical cancer can be prevented if a woman has regular Pap tests, which almost always detect cervical cell changes before the changes become cancerous.

In 2006 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine (Gardasil) that protects against four types of HPV that together cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Three shots are given over 6 months. Gardasil is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old. The immunization is also recommended for females 13 to 26 years old who did not receive it when they were younger. It can be given to girls as young as 9 years old. Studies show that the vaccine is safe and works well to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts.

Factors that increase a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer include:

• Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Having sexual intercourse before age 18 and/or multiple sex partners, which increases the risk of HPV infection.
• Smoking.

Cervical cancer may stay in the cervix or spread from the cervix to deeper tissues in the pelvic area or to other organs of the body (metastasize).