What is cervical cancer?
This type of cancer develops in the lower part of the womb, known as the cervix.
What can cause cervical cancer?
The virus known as Human Papillomavirus or HPV can cause changes to the cells in the cervix which may lead to cancer.
Sexual activity, particularly at a younger age and/or with a number of partners can increase the risk of being infected with HPV, but it should be remembered that HPV can be transmitted in a single sexual encounter.
It is important that women have cervical smear tests regularly as this can help to diagnose the disease by detecting early changes in the cells.
Cancer of the cervix develops over a long period of time and can progress from a precancerous and completely treatable stage, to a widespread cancer if left untreated. However, the treatment is relatively easy if it is detected at an early stage.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding between
periods or after sexual intercourse
There may be a vaginal discharge
There may be pain during intercourse
In postmenopausal women there may be new bleeding
If you experience any of the symptoms described, go to your GP as soon as possible. Similar symptoms can occur in other conditions and does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer.
What the GP may do
The GP will examine you and may also arrange for a cervical smear test, or a similar test using a brush to collect the cells from the cervix.
After one of these tests, you may be sent to the hospital for a colposcopy, which is usually done in the hospital as a day patient. This involves the insertion of a special camera into the vagina so that the nurse/doctor can have a close look at the cervix and also take some samples (biopsies) to be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Another test which is sometimes necessary is a cone biopsy, which may require an overnight stay in hospital. In this test a cone shaped part of the cervix is removed, which may remove all the abnormal cells, or at the very least give a good sample to ensure a prompt and proper diagnosis.
Is Treatment available?
Treatment is available, but will be dependant on the type and extent of your disease. This will be discussed and decided with you, by your oncologist. It could include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery.
Concerned about cervical cancer?
If you have any concerns about cervical cancer, please call our free and confidential helpline – 0800 783 3339. Alternatively, you can email one of our cancer information nurses directly on