About Cervical Cancer

Facts
Cervical cancer is preventable! What is the cervix? How many people are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States? In Iowa?

Risk Factor
What is a risk factor? What can put you at risk for developing cervical cancer?

Symptoms
A list of symptoms that may indicate cervical cancer. What to do if you're experiencing symptoms.

Early Detection & Prevention
Learn about the Pap test; who should be getting it, how often, and more!

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Quiz
Test your knowledge about breast and cervical cancer with an eight question quiz.

Related Links
Find out more about cervical cancer and other health topics through these additional resources.

Cervical Cancer Facts

Cervical Cancer is Preventable!

Could this really be true? YES. And it means that women should not die from cervical cancer.

What is the cervix?

The cervix is the narrow, lower part of the uterus (where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant). During a pelvic exam, the health care provider can see the cervix at the top of the vagina.

The cervix has an opening. The opening lets blood flow from the uterus into the vagina during your menstrual period. During childbirth, the cervix stretches to allow a baby to pass through. The cervix can get cancer.

How many women are affected by cervical cancer?

In 2007, about 11,150 women in the United States will find out they have cancer of the cervix; 3,670 will die from it.^{Ref: 21} Each year in Iowa, about 45 women die from cervical cancer.^{Ref: 22} These deaths can be prevented. A Pap test can find changes in the cells before they have cancer, when treatment works best.

Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts and Figures 2003
Cancer in Iowa: State Health Registry of Iowa 2003

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Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

A risk factor is "anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease, such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors." -- Edward H. Laughlin, MD.^{Ref: 23}

Having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease. Some women may have several risk factors and never get the disease. Others may have one or no risk factors and still get cancer. This is why finding cancer early is so important.

Risk Factors:

Risk factors for cervical cancer are:

1. Having human papillomavirus (HPV)
• HPV infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer.
2. Not having regular Pap tests
• Women who do not have regular Pap tests are more likely to get cervical cancer.
• The Pap test helps your doctor find cells that might get cancer. Treating these cells may keep you from getting cancer.
3. Sexual Behavior
• Women who have sex, or have had sex, are at risk for getting cervical cancer.
• Having sex when you are very young, with many different people, with a partner who has had sex with many other people, or without a condom increase your risk for cervical cancer.
• If you are exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV), you may have higher risk for cervical cancer.^{Ref: 24}
4. Smoking
• Women who smoke are twice as likely to get cervical cancer as women who don't smoke. Women exposed to other people's smoke also have more risk.
5. Age
• Older women have the highest cervical cancer risk. On average, women find out they have cervical cancer between ages 40 and 60 years. Women can get cervical cancer at any age.
6. Low Income and Rural Women
• Women who have little money or live in rural areas also have higher risk. They often have trouble finding a health care provider.
7. Race and Ethnic Background
• African-American, Hispanic, and American Indian women die more often from cervical cancer than other women.
• Vietnamese women are two and a half times more likely than other women to get cervical cancer.^{Ref: 25}

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Cervical Cancer Symptoms

(NOTE: The symptoms below can show cervical cancer, but they may also point to a lot of other diseases that are NOT CANCER, such as an infection. If you have these symptoms, see your health care provider to find out what is causing the symptom.)

Below are symptoms that may mean cervical cancer:

• Usually NO symptoms
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Abnormal fluids leaking from the vagina

What to do if you experience any of these symptoms:

Check with your health care provider if you have symptoms. They are probably not signs of cancer, but a visit with your health care provider will help show anything abnormal.

Follow screening guidelines for Pap tests and pelvic exams to improve your chances of finding cervical cancer early, when it can be treated and probably cured.

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Cervical Cancer Early Detection & Prevention: Pap Test

Early Detection = Early Treatment = Better Outcome!

What is a Pap Test?

The Pap test lets your health care provider collect a small sample of cells from your cervix and upper vagina. The cells are sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. The test is used to find cervical cancer.^{Ref: 26} Fewer women have died from cervical cancer over the past several decades because they have regular Pap tests.^{Ref: 27}

Who should get a Pap test?

• You should start having screening Pap tests about three (3) years after you start having sex, but no later than age 21.
• You should have a screening test each year with a regular Pap smear, or every two (2) years using a liquid test.
• After you have had three (3) or more normal Pap tests in a row, you need a Pap test at least every three (3) years. Discuss how often you should have a Pap test with your health care provider.
• If you have had a hysterectomy and your cervix was removed, you may still need regular Pap tests. Discuss this with your health care provider.

Why should I get a Pap test?

• Getting a Pap test is very important. Cervical cancer often shows no symptoms. Without the Pap test, you could have cervical cancer for a long time and not know it.
• Getting Pap tests as you get older is important. You may have many normal tests before menopause, and then suddenly have an abnormal one.
• Finding cell changes in the cervix early will lead to earlier treatment and a better chance for cure!
• The death rate from cervical cancer will continue to drop if women in their late teens or older and having sex, have regular Pap tests.

Every woman should see her health care provider if she has unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge. But don't wait for warning signs - there may not be any! Now is the time to Care for Yourself!

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For more information, contact your local Care for Yourself, program or call (800) 369-2229 or (800) 735-2942 (V/TTY).

You may also use the "Contact Us" page to submit questions online or write to us at:
Iowa Care for Yourself Program
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection/WISEWOMAN
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075