Cervical Cancer

Also known as: Cancer of the cervix, cervical carcinoma, cervix cancer, cervical tumor, cervical malignancy, HPV-related cervical cancer

Last Updated: October 31, 2026

Key Points

Cervical cancer develops in the cells lining the cervix
Persistent HPV infection is the leading cause
Early stages often have no noticeable symptoms
Regular screening can detect changes before cancer develops
Treatment options depend heavily on the stage at diagnosis
HPV vaccination significantly lowers the risk of developing cervical cancer

Overview

Cervical cancer most commonly affects:

Cervical cancer begins when cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina, grow abnormally and become cancerous. It is most commonly linked to persistent infection with certain high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). When detected early through routine screening, cervical cancer is commonly treatable, and precancerous changes can often be managed before they progress to cancer.

The cervix and surrounding cervical tissue
Nearby pelvic lymph nodes in more advanced stages

Signs and Symptoms

People with cervical cancer may experience:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including after intercourse
Bleeding between periods or after menopause
Unusual vaginal discharge, sometimes with an odor
Pelvic pain not related to menstruation
Pain during intercourse
In advanced cases, leg swelling or back pain

Things That Increase the Risk

Factors that can increase the risk of cervical cancer include:

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains
Smoking
A weakened immune system
Long-term use of oral contraceptives
Multiple full-term pregnancies
Lack of regular cervical cancer screening

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

Pap smear (cervical cytology) screening
HPV DNA testing
Colposcopy with tissue biopsy
Imaging such as MRI, CT, or PET scan for staging
Pelvic examination

Treatment & Management

What You Can Do

Patients diagnosed with cervical cancer are commonly encouraged to attend all scheduled screenings and follow-up visits, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and discuss fertility and treatment goals early with their care team.

Attend regular follow-up screenings
Maintain a balanced diet and stay active
Avoid smoking
Seek emotional support or counseling as needed

Medical Options

Treatment is guided by the stage of cancer at diagnosis and may involve one approach or a combination, ranging from monitoring precancerous changes to surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. A specialist team typically determines the most appropriate pathway based on tumor size, spread, and patient preferences.

Surgery to remove the cervix or uterus
Radiation therapy, external or internal
Chemotherapy, often combined with radiation
Targeted therapy for select advanced cases

Prevention

Prevention strategies include:

Cervical cancer is commonly considered one of the more preventable cancers when regular screening and vaccination are followed.

HPV vaccination, ideally before becoming sexually active
Regular Pap smear and HPV screening
Practicing safe sex to reduce HPV transmission risk
Not smoking
Attending recommended follow-up after abnormal results

Cost of Treatment in India

Quick Info

Type:

Malignant / Cancerous

Affected Areas:

Cervix, pelvis, lymph nodes

Common Age:

30 and older

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