Cervical Cancer

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Last synced 8/10/2026Status: primary verified

What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb), which opens into the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. Before cervical cells become cancer, they start to look abnormal. These cells are called "precancers." If they aren't destroyed or removed, they may become cancer cells that grow out of control and spread to other parts of your body. Screening tests for cervical cancer can help find abnormal cells so you can get treatment to prevent cervical cancer. These tests can also find cervical cancer early when it's usually easier to treat. What causes cervical cancer? Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) . There are many types of HPV. The types that cause cancer are called "high-risk HPV." High-risk HPV is very common. It can be passed from one person to another through close skin-to-skin touching, usually during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Most people who are infected have no symptoms and don't know they have it. If you're infected with high-risk HPV, usually your immune system will get rid of it within a year or two. But if your immune system can't control the infection, it may last for many years. Over time, HPV can turn normal cervical cells into abnormal cells. Without treatment, these cells may keep changing until they become cervical cancer. Who is more likely to develop cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is most common in people over age 30. If you have a high-risk HPV infection in your cervix, you're more likely to develop cervical cancer if you: Have a weakened immune system because you: Have a disease that harms your immune system, such as HIV . Take medicine to control your immune system, such as certain medicines to treat cancer or autoimmune diseases Smoke tobacco or breathe secondhand smoke . Use birth control pi

Educational only

This information is for general education and is not medical advice. Always talk to a licensed U.S. clinician about your situation, medications, or treatment decisions.