Cervical cancer starts with a change in the DNA which causes cells in the cervix to grow and reproduce. This creates a lump of tissue called a tumour.

Cancer of the cervix is a relatively rare type of cancer. In the UK around 2,800 women are diagnosed with it each year.

What causes cervical cancer and who can get it?

The exact cause of cervical cancer is unknown. But evidence suggests that a number of risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing it.

The main one of these is the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is the name given to a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes found in the cervix, anus, mouth and throat.

Over 99 per cent of all cases of cervical cancer are linked with HPV, which is spread through sexual intercourse.

A lot of people carry the HPV virus but never develop cancer. Others develop a pre-cancerous condition called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
If left untreated, CIN can develop into cervical cancer.

Other things which increase your risk of getting cervical cancer include:

• Smoking
• Having children at a young age
• Having a lot of children

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?

The symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious. It may not cause any symptoms at all until it has reached an advanced stage.

For some people the first symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, sometimes between periods or after having sex. Other symptoms may include smelly vaginal discharge and discomfort when having sex.

It is extremely important for you to have regular cervical smear tests in case you have no symptoms at all. 

You will be sent a letter from your GP offering you a smear test when you are 25. It is very important that you have this done.  

How is cervical cancer normally diagnosed and treated?

If your doctor is concerned that you may have the condition, they will ask you about your symptoms and look at your medical history.

You may need an internal examination of your vagina. You may also have your urine tested for Chlamydia to rule out this sexually transmitted infection. You may then be referred to a specialist called a gynaecologist.

If you have had an abnormal smear test result or your symptoms suggest cervical cancer, your gynaecologist will usually do a colposcopy.

This is an internal vaginal examination using a small microscope with a light on the end of it. This allows the doctors to examine your cervix in more detail.

They may need to take a tiny biopsy (small pinch of tissue). You may also need some treatment.

If you have CIN (pre-cancerous cells) then the commonest treatment is called a loop excision.

This means using a small electric loop to remove the abnormal cells. This is usually done under local anaesthetic (you are awake) in the clinic.

More serious abnormalities may need a cone biopsy. This is a minor operation carried out in hospital where a small, cone-shaped section of your cervix is removed to be tested.

Other tests may include blood tests and x-rays.

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer you will be referred to a cancer treatment team. They will make recommendations about your treatment options. These will depend on how far advanced your cancer is.

Options can include drug treatments – such as chemotherapy – radiotherapy or surgery. 

Surgery usually means having an operation called a hysterectomy, which is the removal of your womb and cervix.

When to ask for medical help

You should also visit your GP or practice nurse if you experience any of the symptoms of cervical cancer.

Early diagnosis of cervical cancer is essential for successful treatment of the condition. 

What's going to help?

You can help catch this condition at the early stages by having regular cervical smear tests.

Women aged 25 to 49 are invited for screening every three years, and women aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years.

Make sure your GP surgery has your current contact details so that you carry on getting screening invitations.

You should also practice safe sex. There is a strong link between certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV) and the development of abnormalities that may turn into cervical cancer. 

As HPV is spread through unprotected sex, using a condom is the best way to avoid it.

There is also a vaccination now on offer to young people which helps reduce the risk of the HPV virus. 

Cancer and pre-cancer of the cervix are both much more common in smokers. This is another good reason to give up smoking! 

Looking forward

Scientists are always working on ways to treat and prevent cervical cancer.

The best thing young people can do to help protect themselves is to have the HPV vaccine. It provides protection against the two strains of HPV that are thought to be responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

Girls should be offered the HPV vaccine as part of their routine childhood immunisation programme. The vaccine should be given to girls who are 12 to 13 years of age, with three doses given over six months.

For more help and information

• Cancer Research UK has more information on cervical cancer.
• You can also get help and advice from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 9 February 2010

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