- Cervical cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the cervix. It mostly affects women under the age of 45.
- Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer.
- The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus).
- It's part of the reproductive system and is sometimes called the neck of the womb.
- Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
- It can often be prevented by attending cervical screening, which aims to find and treat changes to cells before they turn into cancer.
- Cervical cancer usually grows very slowly. How serious it is depends on how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.
Important: Get your symptoms checked
It's important to get any symptoms of cervical cancer checked as soon as possible.
Page last reviewed: 02 September 2021
Next review due: 02 September 2024