Cervical Cancer

The cervix is part of a woman's reproductive system. It is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in the lower abdomen. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. The vagina leads to the outside of the body.

Cancer begins in cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. These masses can sometimes be cancerous.

Doctors cannot always explain why one woman develops cervical cancer and another does not. However, we do know that a woman with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop cervical cancer.  Risk factors for cervical cancer include:

• Human papillomaviruses (HPVs): HPV infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer.
  • HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the cervix. HPV infections are very common.
  • These viruses can be passed from person to person through sexual contact.
  • Most adults have been infected with HPV at some time in their lives.
  • Some types of HPV can cause changes to cells in the cervix. These changes can lead to genital warts, cancer, and other problems.
  • Doctors may check for HPV even if there are no warts or other symptoms.

If a woman has an HPV infection, her healthcare provider can discuss ways to avoid infecting other people. For more information on cervical cancer, visit: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cervix/.