What is cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer is cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb.
The main symptoms of cervical cancer are vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you, pain during sex, changes in vaginal discharge and lower back pain.
Your treatment plan for cervical cancer will depend on your situation. It may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Cervical screening and the HPV vaccination are the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Lifestyle changes can also lower your chances of getting it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cervical cancer include:
vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you –
including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
changes to your vaginal discharge
pain during sex
pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
If you have another condition like fibroids or endometriosis, you may get symptoms like these regularly.
Causes:
Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
You can get HPV from:
any skin-to-skin contact of the genital areavaginal, anal or oral sexsharing sex toys
Cervical cancer is often treatable.The treatment you have will depend on:the size and type of cervical cancer you have
where the cancer is
if it has spread
your general health
It will usually include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It may also include treatment with targeted medicines to treat the cancer.