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| What
is cervical cancer? When
cells in an area of the body grow abnormally,
cancer can develop. Cervical cancer is abnormal
cell growth of the cervix. The cervix is the lower
part of the uterus or womb.
Cervical
cancer is a serious disease that can be life threatening.
When a woman becomes infected with certain types
of human papillomavirus (HPV) and does not clear
the infection, abnormal cells can develop in the
lining of the cervix. |
Cervical
Cancer
predominantly
is caused by
certain types of
HPV |
If
not discovered early and treated, these abnormal
cells can become cervical precancers, which then
turn into cancer cells. This can take a number
of years, although in some cases, it can happen
within a year. Talk to your healthcare professional
about a Pap test (also known as a Papanicolaou
smear), which can help detect suspicious cell
changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer.
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How
common is cervical cancer?
Worldwide, cervical cancer
is the second most common cancer in women (behind breast cancer).
The World Health Organization estimates that there are currently
more than 2 million women in the world who have cervical cancer.
Every year, 490,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed.
That is more than 1,300 new cases per day.
Nearly 650 women worldwide
were estimated to have died every day from cervical cancer
in 2006, according to the World Health Organization. That
is why it is important to talk to your healthcare professional
about a Pap test, which can help detect suspicious cell changes
in the cervix before they turn into cancer.
Cervical cancer can occur
at any age in a woman’s life, beginning in adolescence
(although uncommon). About half of all women diagnosed with
cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years of age. Many of
these women were most likely exposed to HPV during their teens
and 20s.
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How
is cervical cancer detected? The
primary way to detect cervical cancer is through a Pap test.
A Pap test (also known as a Papanicolaou smear), as part of
a gynecological exam (check-up), helps detect abnormal cells
in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to
become cervical precancer or cervical cancer. The results
of a Pap test can help healthcare professionals decide if
further testing (for example, a biopsy or HPV DNA test) or
treatments are necessary.
Click here to learn
how Pap test results are reported. |
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Can
cervical cancer be treated? Like
other cancers, cervical cancer can be treated in several ways.
Some things a healthcare professional will consider before
choosing a treatment include:
»
The size of the cancer and whether it has spread
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The woman's age and overall health
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Patient preference
The
3 main methods of cervical cancer treatment are surgery, radiation
therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment may include 2 or more
of these methods. The treatment plan will also include specific
follow-up visits with the healthcare professional. These follow-up
visits may include x-rays, biopsies, blood tests, and other
examinations.
Because
everyone is unique, each person responds to treatment differently.
The treatment that is right for one person may not be right
for someone else. The healthcare professional will review
all of the risks and side effects of the best treatment options
for cervical cancer. |
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What
can I do to decrease my chances of getting
cervical cancer? Pap
screening is the best way to decrease your chances of getting
cervical cancer. If detected early, before they have the chance
to spread, cervical precancers (and even some cancers) can
be treated successfully. In the United States, between 60%
and 80% of women who are newly diagnosed with invasive cervical
cancer had not had a Pap test within the 5 years before being
diagnosed, and many had never had one at all.
So,
be sure to follow your healthcare professional's recommendation
about Pap tests, which help detect suspicious cell changes
in the cervix before they could turn into cancer. You can
also learn from your healthcare professional about other ways
to decrease your chances of getting cervical cancer. |
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This
site is intended for residents of The Philippines. |
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