Cervical Cancer
[ Symptoms ] [ Risk Factors ] [ Treatment ] [ Survival Rates ]
Cancer of the cervix is uniquely preventable because it is uniquely slow-growing. In most cases, there is a gradual change from a normal cervix to precancer to cancer. And in most cases, if these precancers are treated, true cancers can be prevented.
Because there are usually no symptoms associated with cervical cancer, "pap tests" are recommended for all women who are sexually active, or who are 18 years of age or older. The Pap test, which is easily performed by a health care professional as part of a pelvic exam, can help detect cervix cancer.
Women who have not had regular Pap tests, or experience any of the following symptoms, should contact a doctor.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by human papillomavirus. HPVs are a group of more than 70 types of viruses called papillomaviruses because they can cause warts, or papillomas.
Certain types of sexual behavior increase a woman's risk of getting HPV. These high-risk sexual behaviors include intercourse at an early age, having many sexual partners and having unprotected sex at any age.
Smoking: Smoking exposes the body to many cancer-causing chemicals that affect more than the lungs. These harmful substances can be absorbed in the lining of the lungs and throughout the body. Researchers believe that these substances damage the DNA of cells in the cervix and may contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: Because HIV damages the body's immune system, it makes women more susceptible to HPV infections, which may increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Diet: Women with poor diets may be at increased risk for cervical cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, studies are underway to find any association between nutrition and other factors that may cause cancer of the cervix.
Surgery and radiation are used in treatment, sometimes together. Cryotherapy, the destruction of cells by extreme cold, and electrocoagulation, the use of intense heat from an electrical current to destroy tissue, may be used in some forms of cervical cancer. (More about treatment options)
Survival rates for cervical cancer patients are encouraging. About 87 percent of patients survive a year after diagnosis; 69 percent survive five years. Catching cervical cancer early makes a big difference -- patients can have a 91 percent five-year survival rate if caught and treated early.
More Information:
Signs And Symptoms
Risk Factors
According to the American Cancer Society, there are several diseases and behaviors that have been linked to cervical cancer. They include:
Treatment Options
Survival Rates
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