Cervical Cancer

In the UK, around 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Cervical cancer is often diagnosed in younger women. It is the second most common cancer in women aged under 35 years, after breast cancer.

The cervix is the neck of your womb and forms the entrance to the womb from the vagina. The cervix is made of muscle tissue.

       

The cervix is covered with a layer of skin-like cells on the outer surface; this is called the 'ectocervix'. The skin-like cells of the ectocervix can become cancerous, leading to the most common type of cervical cancer called squamous cell cervical cancer.

There are glandular cells lining the inside of the cervix these are called the ‘endocervix’, these glandular cells produce mucus. These glandular cells of the endocervix can become cancerous, leading to an adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Adenocarcinoma can be more difficult to detect using cervical screening tests.

The most common area where cervical cells are likely to become cancerous is called the transformation zone. This area is just around the opening of the cervix that leads on to the endocervical canal. The endocervical canal is the narrow passageway that runs up from the cervix into the womb. It is this area that your doctor or nurse will concentrate on during cervical screening.

Cervical cancer does not always display symptoms. Some women might not have any symptoms at all until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

Most Common Symptoms

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, between periods or after sexual intercourse
Smelly vaginal discharge
Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

What is the cause?

More than 99% of cases of cervical cancers are thought to be caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are several different types of HPV; some types of HPV cause genital warts. Some other types of HPV are considered high risk for cancer of the cervix.

HPV is passed on from one person to another through sexual contact.

In September 2008, the NHS launched a vaccination programme for HPV. The vaccine provides protection against the two types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

Girls aged 12 to 13 are offered the vaccine. Girls who have the vaccine will have three injections over a 6 month period.
The vaccine will prevent at least 7 out of 10 cancers of the cervix and possibly even more in the future.

Outlook

Early-stage cancer that is confined to the cervix can usually be successfully treated through surgery and / or radiotherapy. However, if the cancer has spread to the surrounding areas, such as the vagina, bladder or lymph nodes, the outlook is less positive.
Cervical cancer can be prevented if it is detected in the early stages; the NHS offers routine cervical screening for women aged 25 and over.

You should see your doctor immediately if you have any concerns about cervical cancer or if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.