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Cervical cancer

• More information on cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (where a baby grows). Cervical cancer is caused by several types of a virus called human papillomavirus (pap-uh-LOH-muh-veye-ruhss), or HPV. HPV is very common. It spreads through sexual contact. Most women's bodies are able to fight off infection with HPV. But in some women, HPV can cause normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer. This usually happens over a period of time. Cancer that goes untreated starts to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to nearby areas.

The good news is that cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent. By getting regular Pap tests, your doctor can find and treat abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.

Women should have their first Pap test at age 21. After your first Pap test, you should have a Pap test every two to three years depending on your age and other factors. Ask your doctor about how often you need a Pap test. Women who have had the HPV vaccine still need to have Pap tests.

American Indian and Alaska Native women, as a group, have higher rates of cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women. But rates vary widely across different parts of the country. For instance, Indians of the Southern Plains have especially high cervical cancer rates. American Indians and Alaska Natives also are more likely to be diagnosed with later stage disease than non-Hispanic white women. The good news is that cervical cancer rates among American Indian and Alaska Native women have been decreasing over time as more and more native women have routine screening. But, it's important to note that regions that have the highest rates of cervical cancer also have low rates of cervical cancer screening.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) program provides free or low-cost Pap testing to women who don't have health insurance. To learn more about this program, please contact the CDC at 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

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More information on cervical cancer

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Cervical Cancer Fact Sheet — This fact sheet answers the common questions patients have regarding cervical cancer.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/cervical-cancer.cfm

Explore other publications and websites

• A Woman's Guide to Understanding HPV and Cervical Cancer (Copyright © Association of Reproductive Health Professionals) — This brochure educates women about human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. It includes information on new technologies, with a focus on women currently undergoing screening for HPV.
  http://72.3.159.179/Publications-and-Resources/Patient-Resources/printed-materials/Understanding-HPV-Cervical-Cancer
• American Indian Health — This website is an information portal to information about the health of native peoples of the United States. The topics include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and environmental health.
  http://americanindianhealth.nlm.nih.gov/
• Cancer Health Disparities — This on-line fact sheet gives a brief overview of the currently available data on cancer health disparities among racial and ethnic groups. It also summarizes some NCI research projects and initiatives designed to understand and eventually eliminate these disparities.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/disparities/cancer-health-disparities
• Cervical Cancer — This fact sheet about cervical cancer is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Campaign. The campaign helps women get the facts about gynecologic cancer, providing important “inside knowledge” about their bodies and health.
  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/pdf/cervical_facts.pdf
• Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ®) — Patients — This page-by-page explanation of cervical cancer screening provides information about the risk factors for cervical cancer and the effectiveness of common screening methods. It also includes links for information about prevention and treatment.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/cervical/patient/
• Comparing Cervical Cancer by Race and Ethnicity — this web page from the CDC lists updated statistics about cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates among ethnic minorities.
  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/race.htm
• Detailed Guide: Cervical Cancer (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This detailed guide provides information about cervical cancer. It covers information about the causes, risk factors, prevention, and where to seek financial assistance.
  http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CervicalCancer/DetailedGuide/index
• FAQs about Cervical Cancer/HPV Vaccine Access in the U.S. (Copyright © American Social Health Association) — This fact sheet provides information about HPV vaccines. It explains the vaccination recommendations and the most effective distribution methods and ages for administering the vaccine.
  http://www.ashastd.org/pdfs/HPV_FAQ_032007.pdf
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Cancer/HPV Vaccine Access in the U.S. (Copyright © American Social Health Association) — Left untreated, human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to a variety of cancers. This fact sheet discusses the importance of getting the HPV vaccine. It describes Gardasil — currently the only FDA-approved HPV vaccine on the market — and the ages at which girls and young women can get the vaccine.
  http://www.ashastd.org/pdfs/HPV_FAQ_032007.pdf
• Inside Knowledge Campaign: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer — This site is designed to spread awareness to women about the different types of gynecological cancers. With early detection, treatments for gynecological cancers are very effective.
  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/
• National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign (Copyright © Foundation for Women's Cancer) — The National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign provides women and healthcare professionals with information about cervical cancer and HPV. Includes information on the causes of cervical cancer, and the best methods to prevent and detect it.
  http://www.cervicalcancercampaign.org
• What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Cervix — This booklet on cervical cancer discusses possible causes, symptoms, treatments, and related emotional issues, and provides questions to ask your doctor. It also includes a glossary of terms and links to other resources.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cervix

Connect with other organizations

• American Cancer Society
  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  http://www.asrm.org
• Foundation for Women's Cancer
  http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/
• National Cervical Cancer Coalition
  http://www.nccc-online.org/
• Native American Cancer Research
  http://www.natamcancer.org/

Content last updated May 18, 2010.

Resources last updated May 18, 2010.

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