Types of Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus or “the
neck” and connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. Cervical
cancers do not form suddenly. There is a gradual change from
a normal to cancerous cervix.
Detecting Cervical Cancer
Pre-cancerous cells on the cervix generally do not cause any
symptoms at all. That is why it is so important for women
to have annual pap smears, allowing physicians to detect abnormal
changes in the cervix. Screening can help physicians find abnormal
cells before cancer develops. Finding and treating abnormal cells
can prevent most cervical cancer. Also, screening can help find
cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be effective.
For the past several decades, the number of women diagnosed each
year with cervical cancer has been falling. Physicians believe
this is mainly because of the success of screening.
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is the virus that causes
genital warts. HPV infections are very common. These viruses
can be passed from person to person through sexual contact. Most
adults have been infected with HPV at some time in their lives.
Some types of HPV can cause changes to cells in the cervix. These
changes can lead to genital warts, cancer, and other problems.
Physicians may check for HPV even if there are no warts or other
symptoms.