What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the part of the uterus or womb that opens to the vagina. Before widespread screening using the Pap test began in the 1950's, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer death in American women. Today in the United States, the Pap test has helped reduce cervical cancer death rates by 70%. : recent advances in screening and a vaccine, that’s newly approved by the Food and Drug Administration, for the virus that causes cervical cancer could help wipe this disease out.

The American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2008, about 11,070 women in the United States will get cervical cancer and about 3,870 women will die from it. In other countries, cervical cancer affects approximately 500,000 women each year. In some parts of the world, it is still the most common cancer in women.

What causes cervical cancer?

A virus—the human papillomavirus, or HPV—causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that usually goes away by itself without symptoms or treatment. Approximately 80 percent of adults will have HPV at some point in their lives.

There are two types of HPV—"low risk" and "high risk." Some low-risk HPV infections can cause genital warts. Sometimes, if a high-risk type of HPV does not go away on its own, it may cause pre-cancerous cells to form. If these abnormal cells are not found and removed, they may become cancer. An HPV infection rarely leads to cervical cancer. In most women, the cells in the cervix return to normal after the body's immune system destroys the HPV infection.

Who gets cervical cancer?

Since almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, any woman who has sex can get cervical cancer. Most women who've had sex have been infected with HPV at some time in their life. The women at highest risk for cervical cancer are women in whom infection with one of the high risk types persists for years. Other risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking and HIV infection. The women most at risk for the disease are women who have not been screened regularly or at all.

Does HPV have symptoms?

In most cases, no. The only way to detect an HPV infection is to test for the virus directly. The only way to tell if a high-risk HPV infection has caused cervical cell changes is to have a Pap test. Signs of an HPV infection may appear weeks, months, or years after the first infection, which is why regular cervical cancer screening is important.

Can HPV be treated?

There is no treatment for HPV. There are treatments for changes in cervical cells, a possible effect of a persistent HPV infection. Women with such changes should discuss treatment options with their doctor.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer or early cervical pre-cancers often have no signs or symptoms. That's why it's important for women to get screened regularly. Early symptoms may include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• Blood spots or light bleeding when you're not having your period
• Bleeding or pain during sex

Women with the above symptoms should contact their doctor right away. Just because they have these symptoms, though, doesn't mean they have cervical cancer, as these symptoms may occur for other reasons. Finding cervical cancer early means women have a better chance of treating it successfully.

Can cervical cancer be treated?

Yes, cervical cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Women diagnosed with cervical cancer should discuss treatment options with their doctor to determine the best approach for them.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Cervical cancer is preventable -- regular screening and vaccination are key.
• Cervical cancer is caused by a common virus -- the human papillomavirus, or HPV.
• Most women will have HPV at some point, but very few will develop cervical cancer. Most HPV infections are temporary and will go away on their own. An HPV infection that does not go away over a period of years might lead to cervical cancer.