Cervical Cancer: Reproductive & Sexual Health Education Series
Part 4: Understand Cervical Cancer, Causes and Prevention Strategies
Cervical Cancer is the growth of cancer cells beginning in the cervix. All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it occurs most often in women at age 30.
“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.” — World Health Organization
Major Causes of Cervical Cancer
A long lasting infection with certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, but there are also several minor causes that can be attributed to the development of cervical cancer.
“Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.” — World Health Organization
Minor Causes of Cervical Cancer:
- Having HIV or other conditions that make it hard for the body to fight off health problems
- Smoking
- Giving birth to three or more children
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Early on, cervical cancer may not show any signs or cause any symptoms. However, advanced cervical cancer is mainly characterized by the following:
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina
- Pelvic pain
Prevention Strategies Against Cervical Cancer
- Because HPV is a major contributor to developing cervical cancer, one of the most important things you can do to prevent cervical cancer is to get the HPV vaccine.
- All women should begin cervical cancer screening within three years after they start having sex and no later than age 21, and screening should be done every year with a regular Pap test. During a Pap test, providers will take a swab and collect cells from your uterus and cervix, it will be sent to a laboratory to test for abnormal cells that could indicate a pre-cancerous lesion These tests can detect precancerous cell changes, the presence of HPV (which causes cervical cancer), and the presence of cancer.
Other Prevention Strategies include using protection during sex and quitting smoking.
Continue Reading our Reproductive and Sexual Health Education Series
Part 1: Understanding Internal Female Reproductive Anatomy
Part 2: Symptoms and Causes of Four Common Reproductive Health Issues
Part 3: Four Things to Know About the Cervix
Part 4: Cervical Cancer
Part 5: Understanding HPV, the HPV Vaccine, and Common HPV Myths
Part 6: Navigating Conversations about Reproductive Health
Part 7: Going to the Gynecologist
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Resources
Learn more about Cervical Cancer from the CDC
Find a screening program near you if you are low-income, uninsured, and underinsured
Take this quiz to see how much you know about Cervical Cancer and to learn more facts!
