Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer tends to develop slowly. Changes in the lining of the cervical tissue, possibly due to a cervical injury, or the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV), will gradually develop into cancer cells.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 3,700 American women will die of cervical cancer in 2006. Thanks to the rise in popularity of the pap test and the colposcopy, deaths from cervical cancer have been on the decline since 1955. Cervical cancer death rates continue to drop by around four per cent per year.

There’s been a lot of talk about Human papillomavirus (HPV) in the media lately. HPV is the virus that causes genital warts, as well as most kinds of cervical cancer. There is an HPV vaccine available, but you might have to ask your doctor about it. Remember that when it comes to your reproductive health, you can’t afford to be shy. Learn the symptoms of cervical cancer, be sure to have a yearly pap smear and ask your doctor to test you for HPV. Read up on the connection between HPV and Cancer and Vulvar Cancer and HPV.

If you’re in treatment for cervical cancer, or if you know someone who is, find out what the odds of Recurrence after Treatment are.