Cancer of the cervix is a relatively rare type of cancer. In the UK, around 2,800 women are diagnosed with it each year.
The symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious. It may not cause any symptoms at all until it has reached an advanced stage.
If cervical cancer causes symptoms, the most common is abnormal vaginal bleeding, e.g. between periods or after sexual intercourse (see Symptoms).
The cervix
The cervix is the lower part (or neck) of the womb. It is made of muscle tissue and is the entrance to the womb from the vagina.
Types of cervical cancer
There are two main types of cervical cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cervical cancer. It develops from the squamous cells, which are the flat cells in the outer layer of the cervix at the top of the vagina.
- Adenocarcinoma develops from the cells that line the glands in the cervix. Adenocarcinoma can be more difficult to detect using cervical screening tests.
Who is affected?
Cervical cancer is often diagnosed in younger women. It is the second most common cancer in women aged under 35, after breast cancer.
What is the cause?
More than 99% of cases of cervical cancers are thought to be caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). See Causes for more information.
In September 2008, the NHS launched a vaccination programme for HPV. The vaccine provides protection against the two types of HPV that cause cervical cancer (see Prevention).
Outlook
Early-stage cancer that is confined to the cervix can usually be successfully treated through surgery and/or radiotherapy (see Treatment). However, if the cancer has spread to the surrounding areas, such as the vagina, bladder or lymph nodes, the outlook is less positive.
Cervical cancer can be prevented if it is detected in the early stages via cervical screening.
