“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is usually caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is transmitted through sexual contact.
Symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear in the early stages, but as the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
Screening for cervical cancer is done through a Pap smear, which is a test that examines cells from the cervix for abnormalities. It is recommended that women begin getting Pap smears at the age of 21 and continue to have them regularly as recommended by their healthcare provider.
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The prognosis for cervical cancer is generally good when it is detected early and treated promptly.