Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow on the lining of cervix located in the lower part of the uterus (womb) in the female reproductive system. Cervical cancer forms slowly over time showing little or no symptoms, but is easily detected from regular Pap tests and is usually cured if found early.

Symptoms

Cervical cancer symptoms do not usually occur. Some women may notice the following symptoms:

Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse or after menopause.
Pelvic pain.
Pain during sex (intercourse).

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a MemorialCare Physician partner.

Causes & Prevention

Several controllable risk factors such as infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - a sexually transmitted disease (STD), smoking and a weak immune system can increase the risk of cervical cancer. By controlling risk factors and having regular Pap tests performed, you can help prevent cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer screening recommendations

Pap test – Annually for women starting no later than age 21, or three years after sexual activity begins.
Pap test – Starting at age 30, women who have had three normal Pap test results in a row, may be screened every two to three years.

Risk Factors

Women are at a greater risk for cervical cancer if you:

Have a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection – a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Smoke or are exposed to smoke.
Have a weakened immune system, for example, from HIV infection.
Miss regular Pap tests.
Have many sexual partners.
Use birth control pills for a long time.
Have many children.
Were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before you were born.

Diagnosis

During a physical exam a Pap test is taken to collect cells from the cervix. These cells are examined under a microscope for abnormal cell growth. If signs of abnormal cell growth are shown on the Pap test, a colposcopy, using a colposcope to view the cervical tissue, is performed. A biopsy may also be taken so that a pathologist can view the cervical tissue under a microscope to detect cervical cancer.

Staging

If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatments

MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment.