Get The Facts

Cancer that starts to grow on a woman's cervix is called “Cervical Cancer.” The cervix is the opening of your uterus (womb). It is part of a woman’s reproductive system. Cancer can grow on a woman's cervix the same way it can grow on other body parts. Most times, cervical cancer forms slowly and often does not cause symptoms until it is advanced. When cervical cancer is advanced, it may cause abnormal bleeding, discharge, or pain. This is why it is important to have regular Pap smear exams. Getting abnormal test results does not mean that you have cervical cancer now. For specific questions about your test results, talk to your doctor.

A virus, called Human Papilloma Virus. Also called HPV can cause normal cells on your cervix to turn abnormal. Over many years, abnormal cells can turn into cancer if they are not found and treated by your doctor. It can take 10 to 15 years (or more) for cells to change from normal to abnormal, and then into cancer. Abnormal cells are sometimes called “pre-cancer” because they are not normal, but they are not yet cancer. You cannot see or feel HPV or these cell changes on your cervix. 

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. HPV is a common virus which causes most cervical cancer. Women can have HPV for years and not know it. It stays in the body and can lead to cervical cancer years after being infected. There are about 40 Types of HPV that can infect the genitals or sex organs of men and women. These HPV Types can also infect the mouth and throat. According to the CDC, every year in the United States, there are more than 3 million new HPV cases. About 50% of them are 15 to 24 year-olds.

* Leg Swelling 

* Backache

* Pain or Bleeding After Intercourse 

* Abnormal Vagina Discharge

* Menopause But Bleeding 

* Bloody Stool

* Menstrual Irregularities 

* Dizziness/Fatigue

* Weight Loss 

* Abdominal Pain

Women should get their first Pap test at age 21 and continue screening until age 65.