Significance of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer prevention

The uterine cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus with the vagina. It is part of the female reproductive system.

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.

Thanks to widespread screening with the Pap test (Pap smear), the number of deaths due to cervical cancer has been decreasing. Screening tests have risks, however (refer to the PDQ summary on Screening for Cervical Cancer ¹); prevention of cervical cancer may offer fewer risks and more benefits.

Many cases of cervical cancer are associated with known risk factors for the disease. Some of the risk factors cannot be avoided, but many can.

HPV Infection: Cervical infection with HPV is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer. There are over 80 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Approximately 30 types are transmitted sexually (passed from one person to another by sexual contact) and can infect the cervix. About half of these have been linked to cervical cancer. However, HPV infection is very common and only a very small number of women infected with untreated HPV will develop cervical cancer. A vaccine to prevent infection with the two types of HPV that cause approximately 70 percent of cervical cancers, and the two types of HPV that cause 90 percent of genital warts, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other vaccines are under study. The approved vaccine provides protection against infection with these HPV types for at least five years. How much longer the protection lasts is under study.

Sexual History: HPV infections that cause cervical cancer are spread mainly through sexual contact. Women who begin having sexual intercourse at an early age and women who have had many sexual partners are at a greater risk of HPV infection and developing cervical cancer. Some methods used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reduce the risk of cervical cancer. The use of barrier methods of birth control and/or gels that kill sperm offer some protection but do not completely protect against STDs.

Reproductive History: Having a high number of full-term pregnancies (7 or more) increases the risk of cervical cancer.

Use of Oral Contraceptives: Long-term use of oral contraceptives (5 years or more) increases the risk of cervical cancer.

Screening History: Receiving regular gynecological exams and Pap tests helps to prevent cervical cancer. Abnormal changes in the cervix can be detected (found) by the Pap test and treated before cancer develops. Women who do not regularly have Pap tests have an increased risk of cervical cancer.

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.

Diet: Several studies have suggested that certain micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) may reduce the risk of cervical cancer, but this has not been proven.

Knowing the risk factors for cervical cancer can help you avoid them.

Glossary Terms

Not normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancerous, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign.

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope).

The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.

Cells that look abnormal under a microscope but are not cancer.

FDA. An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.

A raised growth on the surface of the genitals caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The HPV in genital warts is very contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, usually during oral, anal, or genital sex with an infected partner. Also called condyloma.

Having to do with the female reproductive tract (including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina).

A member of a family of viruses that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, genital warts) and other changes to cells. Infection with certain types of HPV increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. Also called human papillomavirus.

A member of a family of viruses that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, genital warts) and other changes to cells. Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. Also called HPV.

Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. Infections can occur in any part of the body and can spread throughout the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on where the infection occurs. When the body’s natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken the natural defense system.

A nutrient required to maintain health.

A pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones that block the release of eggs from the ovaries. Most oral contraceptives include estrogen and progestin. Also called birth control pill.

A procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix for examination under a microscope. It is used to detect cancer and changes that may lead to cancer. A Pap test can also show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or inflammation. Also called a Pap smear.

PDQ is an online database developed and maintained by the National Cancer Institute. Designed to make the most current, credible, and accurate cancer information available to health professionals and the public, PDQ contains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, genetics, complementary and alternative medicine, and supportive care; a registry of cancer clinical trials from around the world; and directories of physicians, professionals who provide genetics services, and organizations that provide cancer care. Most of this information, and more specific information about PDQ, can be found on the NCI's Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq. Also called Physician Data Query.

Used to prevent disease.

In women, this system includes the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus (womb), the cervix, and the vagina (birth canal). The reproductive system in men includes the prostate, the testes, and the penis.

Something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer include age, a family history of certain cancers, use of tobacco products, certain eating habits, obesity, lack of exercise, exposure to radiation or other cancer-causing agents, and certain genetic changes.

Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Since screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (breast), colonoscopy (colon), Pap smear (cervix), and PSA blood level and digital rectal exam (prostate). Screening can also include checking for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease by doing a genetic test.

The male reproductive cell, formed in the testicle. A sperm unites with an egg to form an embryo.

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a baby grows. Also called the womb.

A substance or group of substances meant to cause the immune system to respond to a tumor or to microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. A vaccine can help the body recognize and destroy cancer cells or microorganisms.

The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called birth canal.

A key nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to grow and stay strong. Examples are vitamins A, C, and E.

The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a baby grows. Also called the uterus.