Cervical cancer happens when cells change in women’s cervix, which connects their uterus with vagina. This cancer can affect the deeper tissues of their cervix and may spread to other parts of their body (metastasize), often the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is preventable with a vaccine.
Cervical cancer grows slowly, so there’s usually time to find and treat it before it causes serious problems. It kills fewer and fewer women each year, thanks to improved screening through Pap tests.
Women 35 to 44 years old are most likely to get it. More than 15% of new cases are in women over age 65, however, especially those who haven’t been getting regular screenings.
• Cervical Cancer Types
There’s more than one kind of cervical cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma. This forms in the lining of your cervix. It’s found in up to 90% of cases.
Adenocarcinoma. This forms in the cells that produce mucus.
Mixed carcinoma. This has features of the two other types.
• Cervical Cancer Cause
Cervical cancer begins with unusual changes in your tissue. Most cases are linked to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Different types of HPV can cause skin warts, genital warts, and other skin disorders. Others are linked to cancers involving the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, tongue, and tonsils.
• Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
You might be at higher risk of cervical cancer if you:
- Started having sex before age 16 or within a year of starting your period
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Take birth control pills, especially for longer than 5 years
- Smoke cigarettes
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have a sexually transmitted disease (STD)