Cervical cancer information and symtoms

Cervical cancer is caused by a very common virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Most women get HPV without knowing and without it causing any harm. For a tiny few, around 2,800 women a year in the UK, it can lead to cervical cancer. However a new HPV vaccine could eradicate the virus completely and stop the next generation of women from getting cervical cancer. Meanwhile, regular smear tests are the best way to prevent it, so make sure you have yours. If diagnosed early, the vast majority of women can be treated very successfully.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of cervical cancer from patient.co.uk, read on.

The most common early symptom of cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix) is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Most cases develop in women in their 30s or 40s. If cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. Regular cervical screening tests can detect 'pre-cancer' which can be treated before cancer develops.

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) which extends slightly into the top of the vagina. The cervix is often called 'the neck of the womb'.

A narrow passage called the cervical canal (or endocervical canal) goes from the vagina to the inside of the uterus. This is normally kept quite tightly shut, but allows blood to flow out from the uterus during a period, and sperm to travel inside if you have sex. It opens very wide during labour if you have a baby.

The surface of the cervix is covered with skin-like cells. There are also some tiny glands in the lining of cervical canal which make mucus.

What is cervical cancer?

There are two main types of cervical cancer.

• Squamous cell cervical cancer is the most common. This develops from a skin-like cell (a squamous cell) that covers the cervix which becomes cancerous.
• Adenocarcinoma cervical cancer is much less common. This develops from a glandular cell (a cell that makes mucus) within the cervical canal which becomes cancerous.

Both types are diagnosed and treated in a similar way. Most cases develop in women in their 30s or 40s. Some cases develop in older and younger women.

Over 2000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK. However, the number of cases diagnosed each year has fallen over recent years. This is because cervical cancer can be prevented by regular cervical screening tests which most women now have.