When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina to the upper part of the uterus. Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow-up. It also is highly curable when found and treated early.
All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30. Each year, approximately 12,000 women in the U.S. get cervical cancer.
The 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 all sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer.
Talk with your doctor about how often you should get a pap test and an HPV test. Recommendations differ depending on your age and health history.
— Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services