Most cervical cancers are caused by a long lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex.
People younger than 20 years old rarely develop cervical cancer.
The risk goes up between the late teens and mid-30s.
People past this age group remain at risk and need to have regular cervical cancer screenings, which include a Pap test and/or an HPV test.
Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
Routine screening can prevent most cervical cancers by allowing health care providers to find and remove precancerous cells before they develop into cancer.
But HPV is not the only cause of cervical cancer.
Most women with HPV don't get cervical cancer, and other risk factors, like smoking and HIV infection, influence which women exposed to HPV are more likely to develop cervical cancer.
Some things you can do to protect yourself from cervical cancer include.
Get an HPV vaccine. Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer.
Get regular pap tests. Regular pap tests help your doctor find and treat any changing cells prior to turning into cancer.
Be monogamous.
Use condoms.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
The early warning signs of cervical cancer are.
Vaginal bleeding (either after intercourse, between periods or post-menopause)
Abnormal vaginal discharge (heavy or with a foul odor)
Pain during intercourse.
Pelvic pain.
Lower back pain.
Pain and swelling in legs.
Unexplained weight loss.
Decreased appetite.
The survival rate of cervical cancer is close to 100% when you find and treat precancerous or early cancerous changes.
The prognosis for invasive cervical cancer depends on the stage.
More than 90% of women with stage 0 survive at least 5 years after diagnosis.
Stage I cervical cancer patients have a 5-year survival rate of 80% to 93%.