Cervical Cancer

What All Women Should Know

Cervical cancer is a growth of abnormal cells that starts in the cervix; the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix is covered by a thin layer of tissue made up of cells. Cervical cancer occurs when these cells become abnormal and may grow deeper into the cell layers or spread to other organs. The cancer cells may eventually form a mass of tissue, or a tumor.

According to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the United States. Cervical cancer is diagnosed more often in women over the age of 40 and rarely occurs in women younger than 21.

If found early, cervical cancer is often highly treatable. Women can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer by having routine screening tests to detect precancerous conditions of the cervix and by getting a vaccine that protects against HPV infections.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. For most people, HPV does not cause problems and clears up on its own. In some cases, the virus can cause changes in the cells that may lead to cancer.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

In the early stages, cervical cancer usually does not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, it may cause signs and symptoms that may include:

Painful intercourse
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
Heavy menstrual bleeding (Heavier than usual)
Watery or bloody vaginal discharge with a foul odor

If you are concerned about or have experienced any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your gynecologist.

Types of Cervical Cancer

The types of cervical cancer are based on the type of cell in which the cancer begins. There are two main types of cervical cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer begins in thin, flat cells, called squamous cells. The squamous cells line the outer part of the cervix. Most cases of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma. The cancer begins in the column-shaped gland cells that line the cervical canal.

In some cases, both types of cells are involved in a cervical cancer diagnosis.

Risk Factors

The risks of cervical cancer are related to a person’s sexual history, immune system, overall health, and lifestyle. Risk factors may include a history of multiple sexual partners, smoking tobacco, a weakened immune system, having other sexually transmitted infections and a family history of cervical cancer.

Screenings and Detection of Cervical Cancer

Screening tests are the best way to detect cervical cancer and any precancerous cells that may develop into cervical cancer. ACOG recommends that women should begin screening for cervical cancer at the age of 21.

“A Pap test is a very important tool for early detection of cervical cancer. Regular screenings should be part of your annual health plan and can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.”

Jennifer McEachron, DO, Gynecologic Oncologist at Catholic Health

A Pap Test (or Pap smear) is the most common screening test for cervical cancer. Pap smear screenings identify abnormal cells on the cervix. During a Pap smear, a physician collects cells from the cervix. The cells are examined by a cytologist under a microscope to look for any precancerous changes that suggest cancer might develop in the future.

Regular high-risk HPV testing can also identify women at risk of developing cervical cancer. Several types of HPV, such as types 16 and 18, can lead to cervical cancer and are considered high-risk. HPV testing is typically conducted on women over the age of 25 and repeated every five years.

The HPV DNA Test involves testing cells from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer.

The frequency of cervical cancer screenings and which tests you should have, depend on your age and health history. Discuss your cervical cancer screening options with your physician.

Treatment for Cervical Cancer

Treatment for cervical cancer varies and depends on several factors including the stage of the cancer, other health conditions, and a patient’s preferences. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the three may be used. The type and stage of cervical cancer will determine the exact treatment plans.

Surgical treatment of cervical cancer may include cervical conization, radical trachelectomy, simple hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy; these treatments are typically limited to stage I disease.
For cervical cancer above stage I (for cervical cancers that have grown beyond the cervix), whole pelvic radiotherapy with concurrent low-dose chemotherapy is often the standard of care.

Other treatments may include:

Targeted therapy that uses medication to attack specific chemicals in the cancer cells.
Immunotherapy treatments to help your immune system kill cancer cells.

Prevention

Preventing HPV infections can help to prevent cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective and protects against the HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer.

Both males and females should receive the vaccine, ideally as preteens. ACOG states, “The ideal age for HPV vaccination of girls and boys is 11 or 12. But anyone can get the vaccine starting at age 9 and through age 26.”

Abstinence and safe sex practices can also help to prevent HPV infections and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Women should see their gynecologists every year for a pelvic examination and all recommended screenings.

Catholic Health Gynecologic Cancer Specialists provide comprehensive care from screenings to diagnosis and customized treatment plans designed to achieve the best possible outcome. Call 844-86-CANCER (844-862-2623) for more information.

Find Care at Catholic Health

Find a Catholic Health doctor near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362).

January 2, 2026

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