plannedparenthood:

What is cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow opening of the uterus that leads from your uterus to your vagina. Cancer happens when the cells in your cervix change and grow rapidly. 

It usually takes years for cancerous cells to develop. If these changes are found and treated, cervical cancer can be prevented. If they aren’t diagnosed and treated, cervical cancer can spread to other parts of your body and become deadly. 

Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of HPV (human papilloma virus) — the most common STD. Most types of HPV aren’t harmful and usually go away on their own. But about a dozen types of HPV can last and sometimes lead to cancer — these are called “high-risk” HPV. If you have the “high-risk” kinds of HPV, it doesn’t mean that you have cancer. But it does mean that you have a type of HPV that can lead to cancer, so it’s important to catch it early to help prevent cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer symptoms include abnormal bleeding, spotting, or discharge, periods that are heavier than usual, and bleeding after sex. The first signs are very similar to other conditions, so it’s important to visit your doctor, nurse, or your nearest Planned Parenthood health center to find out what’s going on.

Signs of advanced cervical cancer may include pelvic pain, problems peeing, and swollen legs. If the cancer has spread to your nearby organs, it can affect how those organs work, too. For example, a tumor might press on your bladder and make it feel like you have to pee more often.

How do I prevent cervical cancer? 

Regular cervical cancer screenings are the best way to help prevent cervical cancer. Early cervical cancer symptoms aren’t easy to detect but regular screenings like a Pap test and HPV test can help your nurse or doctor find abnormal cells before they become cancer — that’s why regular checkups are so important. 

If you’re between 21 and 29 years old, get a Pap test once every 3 years (starting at age 25, your doctor may switch to an HPV test - either one is fine). If you’re between 30 and 65 years old, get a Pap test and HPV test (co-testing) once every 5 years, or just a Pap test or HPV test every 3 years.

How is cervical cancer diagnosed? 

If you have an abnormal Pap test or positive HPV test result, your doctor or nurse may suggest more tests or treatment. This testing can be another Pap test, an HPV test, or a colposcopy — a procedure that helps your doctor look more closely at your cervix to see if there are precancerous cells.

Other treatments prevent cervical cancer by removing abnormal cells from your cervix to help new and healthy ones to grow back. LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) is a procedure that removes abnormal cells from your cervix, and Cryotherapy uses a chemical to freeze abnormal cells off your cervix. Both procedures are effective and safe. Both procedures may be performed after abnormal cells are found during a Pap test, colposcopy, or biopsy.

How is cervical cancer treated? 

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on things like the stage of the cancer, your age, and your medical history. Treatment options include surgery to remove a part of your cervix, all of your cervix, or all of your reproductive organs. Other options for treatment include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. 

Learn more about cervical cancer and visit your nearest Planned Parenthood health center to make an appointment to get screened for cervical cancer.

-Attia at Planned Parenthood