What Is Cervical Cancer? Can It Be Prevented?

Cervical cancer occurs when cells of the cervix become cancerous. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus and is connected to the upper part of the vaginal canal.

Understanding the risks, signs and symptoms of cervical cancer remains important, however. Cervical cancer usually develops over several years. Cells slowly change from normal to pre-cancerous (cervical dysplasia) to cancerous. 

“Not all precancerous cervical cells will become cancerous, but some will, so it is important to detect changes and treat them, if necessary,” says Dr. Janco.

Yes. Most cervical cancers are related to exposure to certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine protects against high-risk HPV strains that can cause cervical cancer. It is most effective when given during childhood or early adolescence, but it is also approved for adults.

Dr. Janco recommends the HPV vaccine for anyone up to age 45. 

“The earlier you get it, the better. It’s protective and can even reduce risk of head and neck cancer, as well,” she says.

Cervical cancer rates have dropped in the United States since the HPV vaccine became available in 2006.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact. Most adults who have been or are sexually active will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives.

Many HPV infections will be cleared by the body and many more will be suppressed or become dormant. But a small number will remain or become active and lead to cervical dysplasia and potentially cancer. According to the CDC, 10 percent of women with HPV infection on their cervix will develop long-lasting HPV infections that put them at risk for cervical cancer.

“Many people are exposed to HPV, and it does not become an issue for them. But it is very important to take care of yourself and consider getting the HPV vaccine, stay up to date with screenings and be evaluated for any abnormal symptoms, so that any changes can be caught early,” says Dr. Janco. 

Medical conditions or medications that lower the immune system’s function — such as HIV, or medications for people who have had organ transplants — can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Women who smoke have about twice the risk of developing this type of cancer as non-smokers, especially if they have HPV.

Cervical cancer occurs most often in people over age 30, according to the CDC. The average age at diagnosis is 50, according to the American Cancer Society.

More than 20 percent are found in women over 65. However, these cancers rarely occur in women who have been getting regular screenings before they were 65.

Having multiple sexual partners and having unprotected sex may increase the risk of HPV infection.

This sexually transmitted infection may raise cervical cancer risk.

Cervical cancer risk increases the longer oral contraceptives are used and decreases when pills are stopped. However, use of oral contraceptives can decrease the risk of other cancers, including ovarian and endometrial cancers. An individualized plan for contraception should be discussed with your physician.

Women who have carried three or more pregnancies to term have a higher risk of cervical cancer.

Women whose mother or sister had cervical cancer are also at higher risk.

Women whose mothers were treated with this drug during their pregnancy are also a higher risk. DES was used until 1971 to prevent miscarriage.

Early on, cervical cancer may not cause signs and symptoms. As it advances, it may cause symptoms that call for medical attention.

“You should see your gynecologist immediately if you have symptoms, such as a significant change in your discharge, if discharge smells bad or has a brown or pink color, if there is pain or bleeding outside of your usual menstrual cycle, if your cycles become irregular, or if you have been through menopause and have any vaginal bleeding even if spotting or light,” Dr. Janco says.

Cervical cancer can be found through screening tests. Many cervical dysplasias and cancers do not cause symptoms and are detected only by screening.

Early detection leads to early treatment, which is when it is most effective. When cervical cancer is found before it has spread beyond the cervix (stage I), the 5-year survival rate is 92%.

The vulva, vagina and cervix are examined during a pelvic exam. A biopsy may follow if there are any visible abnormal growths.

A Pap test or Pap smear is a fast, relatively painless test that can identify abnormal changes in cervical cells. It is done during a pelvic exam by collecting cells from the cervix with a brush.

This test checks for active HPV infection. HPV and Pap tests can be done at the same time.

“Your doctor can discuss with you how often you need these tests and perform them during your well woman exam. Depending on your prior screening and personal risk factors, you may need to be screened more often,” Dr. Janco says.

While Pap and HPV testing for low-risk women can be spaced, women should continue regular pelvic examination or well woman exam. 

“I encourage women to see their gynecologist every year to have a pelvic exam. Regardless of what you’re doing with your Pap, make sure you stay on schedule for gynecologic follow-up and an exam,” Dr. Janco says. “Your physician can evaluate for other problems and discuss your gynecologic health in general.”

Treatment depends on whether there is pre-cancer or cancer, and if it has spread.

At Scripps, treatment is individualized depending on the stage and type of cervical cancer.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination.

“Any procedure will depend on the patient’s diagnosis and other factors, such as fertility, reproductive plans and prior treatment,” Dr. Janco says.

Surgical procedures may include:

• Cryosurgery, which freezes and destroys abnormal cells.
• Laser surgery, which uses a laser beam to destroy abnormal cells.
• LEEP, which uses a small wire heated with low-voltage, high-frequency radio waves to remove abnormal cells/tissue from the cervix.
• Cone biopsy removes abnormal cells/tissue.
• Trachelectomy is the removal of the cervix.
• Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, including the cervix.