Cervical Cancer

“Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed
in women between the ages of 35 and 44
with the average age at diagnosis being 50”.1

Umbrella
What may the Cervical Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer of the Cervix
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Cervix Cancer

Cancer

What is the cancer?

DotS the definition of cancer may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition is:

“Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later. When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer”.2

Cervix

What is the cervix?

DotS the definition of the cervix may vary. The CDC’s definition:

“The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant”.3

Definition

What is cervical cancer?

DotS the definition of cervical cancer may vary. The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

“Cervical cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope)”.4

Signs and Symptoms

What are signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?

In Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging: Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer the American Cancer Society (ACS) explain:

“Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms. Symptoms often do not begin until the cancer becomes larger and grows into nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptoms are:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and spotting between periods, or having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual. Bleeding after douching may also occur
  • An unusual discharge from the vagina − the discharge may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain in the pelvic region”.5

Cause

What is the main cause of cervical cancer?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer — Basic Information About Cervical Cancer the CDC explain:

“Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in people over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer”.6

In Cervical Cancer: What Causes Cervical Cancer? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) also note:

“Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects the surface cells of the genital area including the cervix, vagina and vulva. It can also cause visible warts.

HPV is very common. It is estimated that around 80% of women will be exposed to the virus at some point in their lifetime. Many with HPV don’t know they’ve been exposed to the infection. While HPV is common, most women with the infection do not go on to develop cervical cancer. Only certain types of HPV cause cancer.

Cervical cancer usually occurs many years after the infection caused by the HPV virus”.7 

In Cervical Cancer: Risks and Causes the (United Kingdom) Cancer Research UK elaborate on risks and causes of cervical cancer.

Age

Is there an association between age and cervical cancer?

In Cervical Cancer: About Cervical Cancer – Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer the ACS note:


Cervical Cancer
“Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 with the average age at diagnosis being 50 . It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age. More than 20% of cases of cervical cancer are found in women over 65. However, these cancers rarely occur in women who have been getting regular tests to screen for cervical cancer before they were 65”.8

Common or Not

How common is cervical cancer?

In Cervical Cancer: Overview the World Health Organization note:

“Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2018, an estimated 570 000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 311 000 women died from the disease”.9

Pap Tests

Can when to start, when to stop and how often to have regular Pap tests, vary?

Depending on You, DotS and/or Depending on Your Country’s cervical cancer screening program, when to start, when to stop and how often to have regular Pap tests, can vary. It may therefore be in your best interest to choose to check what’s-what for you in your country.

Early Detection

Is there an association between regular Pap tests and the early detection of cervical cancer?

Yes. In Cervical Cancer the ACS explain:

“Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented, by having regular screening tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers”.10

Cervical Cancer Is Not Just A Women’s Issue

Is cervical cancer just a women’s issue?

In Eliminating Cervical Cancer: Dispelling Common Misconceptions – Cervical Cancer Is Not Just A Women’s Issue the Union for International Cancer Control note:

“Both men and women can be infected by HPV. As men are carriers of HPV, they have an important role in prevention, and an even more critical role in cultures and countries where they have strong influence in the decision-making around their partner’s health, including offering financial support and encouraging partners to get screened or seek treatment”.11

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have cervical cancer?

If you think you have cervical cancer, or you are concerned about anything down there, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Cervical Cancer: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor a (United States) Mayo Clinic expert explains:

“Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that concern you”.12

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Cervical Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Cervical Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

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  2. Abnormal Bleeding
  3. About Cervical Cancer
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  15. Cervical Cancer Awareness [+ Video]
  16. Cervical Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
  17. Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action 2022 [17 November]
  18. Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative
  19. Cervical Cancer Overview
  20. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week [23 – 29 Jan 23, United Kingdom]
  21. Cervical Cancer Screening
  22. Cervical Cancer Screening
  23. Cervical Cancer Screening
  24. Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version [+ Images]
  25. Cervical Cancer Screening – Multiply Languages
  26. Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap and HPV Tests
  27. Cervical Cancer Survivor: ‘Don’t Let Fear Keep You From Going To the Doctor’
  28. Cervical Cancer Symptoms
  29. Cervical Cancer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  30. Cervical Cancer – Multiply Languages
  31. Cervical Cancer: Basic Information
  32. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
  33. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer? Smoking
  34. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
  35. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection – Additional Resources
  36. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Cervical Cancer?
  37. Cervical Cancer: Getting Diagnosed
  38. Cervical Cancer: Prevention of Cervical Cancer: The Cervical Cancer Vaccine – Do You Still Need To Have Pap Smear Tests If You Have Had the Vaccine?
  39. Cervical Cancer: Risks and Causes
  40. Cervical Cancer: Screening
  41. Cervical Cancer: Treating Cervical Cancer
  42. Cervical Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer? Lack of Regular Cervical Screening Tests
  43. Cervical Cancer–Patient Version
  44. Cervical Dysplasia: Is It Cancer?
  45. Cervical Health Awareness Month [January, United States]
    Cervical Health Awareness Month 2023
  46. Cervical Screening
  47. Cervical Screening
  48. Cervical Screening Awareness Week [19-24 June 2023, United Kingdom]
    Cervical Cancer
  49. Cervical Screening Test [Australia]
  50. Cervical Screening: Leaflet for Women Considering Screening [Multiply Languages] [United Kingdom]
  51. Cervical Screening: What Is Cervical Screening? How Cervical Screening Is Done [Video]
  52. Cervical Screening: Why It’s Important
  53. Cervivor.org [Cervivor, United States]
  54. Colposcopy
  55. Colposcopy
  56. Consumer Health: Cervical Cancer and HPV — What’s the Connection?
  57. Consumer Health: Understanding Cervical Cancer Risk
  58. Consumer Health: Understanding Cervical Dysplasia
  59. Consumer Health: What Do You Know About Cervical Cancer?
  60. Eliminating Cervical Cancer
  61. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness
  62. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
    Cervical Cancer
  63. Gynecologic Cancers
  64. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – Basic Information About Cervical Cancer
  65. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed and Treated?
  66. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
  67. Gynecologic Cancers: Cervical Cancer – What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
  68. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  69. HPV Vaccine: Who Needs It, How It Works
  70. HPV Vaccines
  71. HPV and Cancer
  72. HPV and Pap Testing
  73. HPV and Pap Testing: Do Women Who Have Been Vaccinated Against HPV Still Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer?
  74. HPV and Pap Testing: What Causes Cervical Cancer?
  75. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  76. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  77. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer
  78. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV Infection
  79. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  80. If You Have Cervical Cancer
  81. International HPV Awareness Day 04 Mar 2023 [+ One Less Worry Video]
  82. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust [United Kingdom]
  83. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust [United Kingdom]: Our Videos
  84. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Black Women Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  85. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: The Link Between Racial Disparities and Cervical Cancer [+ Video Courtesy Mayo Clinic News Network]
  86. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
  87. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Find A Screening Program Near You
  88. National Cervical Cancer Coalition
  89. Pap Smear
  90. Pap Smear: Do I Need One If I’m A Virgin?
  91. Pap and HPV Tests
  92. Prevent Cervical Cancer
  93. Reaching 2030 Cervical Cancer Elimination Targets – New WHO Recommendations for Screening and Treatment of Cervical Pre-Cancer
  94. The Cervix
  95. The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test
  96. Tips for Tracking Bleeding
  97. Understanding Cervical Changes: A Health Guide for Women
  98. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  99. World Ovarian Cancer DayCervical Cancer
  100. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Cervical Cancer: About Cervical Cancer – Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer. Last Revised: 12 January 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 26 April 2023
  2. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information About Cervical Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 14 December 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/ Accessed: 26 April 2023
  3. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information About Cervical Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 14 December 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/ Accessed: 26 April 2023
  4. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: C — Cervical Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/C Accessed: 26 April 2023
  5. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging: Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer. Last Revised: 03 January 2020. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-signs-symptoms Accessed: 26 April 2023
  6. Gynecologic Cancers: Basic Information About Cervical Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 14 December 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/ Accessed: 26 April 2023
  7. Cervical Cancer: What Causes Cervical Cancer? Last Updated: 10 February 2022 | Last Reviewed: 16 July 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/cervical-cancer Accessed: 26 April 2023
  8. Cervical Cancer: About Cervical Cancer – Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer. Last Revised: 12 January 2023. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 26 April 2023
  9. Cervical Cancer: Overview. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1 Accessed: 26 April 2023
  10. Cervical Cancer. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/index Accessed: 26 April 2023
  11. Eliminating Cervical Cancer: Dispelling Common Misconceptions – Cervical Cancer Is Not Just A Women’s Issue. Union for International Cancer Control https://www.worldcancerday.org/Eliminate Accessed: 26 April 2023
  12. Butler, K. Cervical Cancer: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 14 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501 Accessed: 26 April 2023
Topic Last Updated: 26 April 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023

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