Cervical Cancer

“Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed
in women between the ages of 35 and 44,
with the average age 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) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

“Cancer
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems”.2

Cervix

What is the cervix?

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

“The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows during pregnancy”.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 cervical cancer 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 causes cervical cancer?

In Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Basics 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 will get cervical cancer”.6

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

“Cervical cancer is almost always caused by 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. About 80% of women will have the virus at some point in their lives, but many don’t know they’ve been exposed to the infection.

Most women with the infection don’t develop cervical cancer. Only certain types of HPV cause cancer.

Cervical cancer usually develops many years after the HPV infection occurs”.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: How Common Is 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 being 50. It rarely develops in women younger than 20.

Many older women don’t realize that they are still at risk of developing cervical cancer as they age. More than 20% of cervical cancers 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 2022, an estimated 660 000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 350 000 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

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 the (United States) Mayo Clinic encourage us to:

“Make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional if you have any symptoms that worry you”.11

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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

  1. 4 Ways To Reduce Cervical Cancer
  2. British Gynaecological Cancer Society and British Menopause Society Guidelines Management of Menopausal Symptoms Following Treatment of Gynaecological Cancer [August 2024]
  3. Cervical Cancer
  4. Cervical Cancer
  5. Cervical Cancer
  6. Cervical Cancer
  7. Cervical Cancer
  8. Cervical Cancer
  9. Cervical Cancer
  10. Cervical Cancer
  11. Cervical Cancer
  12. Cervical Cancer
  13. Cervical Cancer
  14. Cervical Cancer
  15. Cervical Cancer 101: What Every Woman Needs To Know
  16. Cervical Cancer Awareness
  17. Cervical CancerCervical Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
  18. Cervical Cancer Elimination [17 November 2024]
  19. Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action 2024 [17 November 2024]
  20. Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative
  21. Cervical Cancer Overview
  22. Cervical Cancer Screening
  23. Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version [+ Images]
  24. Cervical Cancer Screening—An Interactive Journey
  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 [+ Video]
  29. Cervical Cancer [Multiply Languages]
  30. Cervical Cancer – Multiply Languages
  31. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Basics
  32. Cervical Cancer: Basic Information
  33. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
  34. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention – What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer? Smoking
  35. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Cervical Cancer?
  36. Cervical Cancer: Getting Diagnosed
  37. 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?
  38. Cervical Cancer: Reducing Risk for Cervical Cancer
  39. Cervical Cancer: Risk Factors
  40. Cervical Cancer: Risks and Causes
  41. Cervical Cancer: Screening
  42. Cervical Cancer: Screening for Cervical Cancer
  43. Cervical Cancer: Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
  44. Cervical Cancer: Treating Cervical Cancer
  45. Cervical Cancer: Treatment of Cervical Cancer
  46. Cervical Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer? Lack of Regular Cervical Screening Tests
  47. Cervical Cancer–Patient Version
  48. Cervical Dysplasia: Is It Cancer?
  49. Cervical Health Awareness Month [January, United States]
    Cervical Cancer
  50. Cervical Screening
  51. Cervical Screening
  52. Cervical Screening: Leaflet for Women Considering Screening [Multiply Languages] [United Kingdom]
  53. Cervical Screening: What Is Cervical Screening? How Cervical Screening Is Done [Video]
  54. Cervical Screening: Why It’s Important
  55. Cervivor.org [Cervivor, United States]
  56. Colposcopy
  57. Colposcopy
  58. FAQs: Cervical Cancer
  59. FAQs: Cervical Cancer Screening
  60. Gynecologic Cancers
  61. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness
  62. Gynecological Cancers
  63. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  64. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  65. HPV Vaccine: Who Needs It, How It Works
  66. HPV Vaccines
  67. HPV and Cancer
  68. HPV and Pap Testing
  69. HPV and Pap Testing: Do Women Who Have Been Vaccinated Against HPV Still Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer?
  70. HPV and Pap Testing: What Causes Cervical Cancer?
  71. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  72. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  73. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer
  74. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): About HPV
  75. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  76. Information for Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex People
  77. International HPV Awareness Day 04 Mar 2024
  78. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Black Women Need To Be Screened for Cervical Cancer [+ Video]
  79. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: The Link Between Racial Disparities and Cervical Cancer [+ Video]
  80. Mayo Clinic Q&A: What To Know About Cervical Cancer
  81. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
  82. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) [United States]
  83. National Cervical Cancer Coalition
  84. Pap Smear
  85. Pap Smear: Do I Need One If I’m A Virgin?
  86. Pap and HPV Tests
  87. Prevent 6 Cancers With the HPV Vaccine
  88. Prevent Cervical Cancer
  89. Reaching 2030 Cervical Cancer Elimination Targets – New WHO Recommendations for Screening and Treatment of Cervical Pre-Cancer
  90. Resources To Share – Videos: Under the Paper Gown Comedy Web Series
  91. The Pap (Papanicolaou) Test
  92. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  93. Understanding Gyn Cancers
  94. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  95. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Dysfunctions, Update on Gynae Cancers and Management
  96. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]
  97. Worldcancerday.org: World Cancer Day 2025: United by Unique – Championing People-Centred Cancer Care
  98. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2024]
    Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer
  99. World Ovarian Cancer Day May 8, 2024
  100. Your Guide To Cervical Screening

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: How Common Is Cervical Cancer? Last Revised: 16 January 2025. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 17 January 2025
  2. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: C — Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/C Accessed: 17 January 2025
  3. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Basics – What It Is. 11 December 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/about/index.html Accessed: 17 January 2025
  4. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: C — Cervical Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/C Accessed: 17 January 2025
  5. Cervical Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging: Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer. Last Revised: 02 October 2024. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-signs-symptoms Accessed: 17 January 2025
  6. Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer Basics – What It Is. 11 December 2025. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/about/index.html Accessed: 17 January 2025
  7. Cervical Cancer: Causes. Last Updated: 31 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 14 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/cervical-cancer Accessed: 17 January 2025
  8. Cervical Cancer: About Cervical Cancer – Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer. Last Revised: 16 January 2025. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed: 17 January 2025
  9. Cervical Cancer: Overview. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1 Accessed: 17 January 2025
  10. Cervical Cancer. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/index Accessed: 17 January 2025
  11. Cervical Cancer: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 10 January 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501 Accessed: 17 January 2025

Topic Last Updated: 17 January 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 January 2025
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