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  1. Knowledge and News on Women: OWH Blog

Cervical Cancer 101: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Knowledge and News on Women’s Health (KNOWH) blog from FDA Office of Women’s Health

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Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and, when detected early, treatable cancers. Yet, each year in the United States, approximately 14,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed, and about 4,000 women die from the disease. Understanding the basics—what causes it, how to prevent it, and why early detection matters—can help you protect your health. 

Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) start to grow abnormally. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue. If these abnormal cells are not removed, over time they can become cancerous and spread to other parts of the body. 

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and FDA’s Office of Women’s Health encourages women to speak with their health care provider to learn more about cervical cancer prevention and routine screenings to help detect cervical dysplasia and cancer.  

Potrait of diverse young women

What causes cervical cancer?

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that is passed on through genital contact (vaginal and anal sex), or skin-to-skin contact. Both women and men can become infected with HPV. There are over 100 types of HPV, but there are certain types of high-risk HPV that can cause cervical cancer. The best way to determine if you have HPV is to get tested by your health care provider.

These factors can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer: 

  • Smoking tobacco or breathing in secondhand smoke.
  • Immunodeficiency, a condition that makes it hard for your body to fight infections such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), autoimmune diseases, or taking immunosuppressant medications. 
  • Using oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
  • Giving birth to many children. 
  • Obesity 

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, women may experience unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent or painful urination or discharge. Speak with your health care provider if you are experiencing these symptoms or have questions about cervical cancer. 

Patient talking with HCP. Text overlay: Lower your risk for cervical cancer with regular screenings.

How can it be prevented? 

You can take steps to help prevent cervical cancer. 

  • Pap smear (or pap test) is a test used to screen for cervical cancer by looking for abnormal changes in cervical cells that could potentially develop into cervical cancer. The test is conducted by a health care provider in the office. Regular Pap smears increase the chances of detecting cervical dysplasia before it becomes cancer or cancer in its early stages. 
  • HPV test looks for the presence of high-risk types of HPV that can cause cell changes in the cervix. This is different from a Pap test because the HPV test looks for the virus specifically. In the past the HPV test was only performed by a health care provider. However, the FDA has authorized certain HPV tests to allow the patient to self-collect a vaginal swab in a health care setting when the patient and their health care provider determine that it is not possible for the provider to collect a cervical specimen. Talk with your health care provider about the best screening test for you.
  • HPV vaccination helps protect against HPV-related dysplasia and cancer. Talk with your health care provider to determine if HPV vaccination is right for you. 

Why is early detection important?

Cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected early through routine screening tests. As early stages often have no noticeable symptoms, it is crucial to get screened regularly. This can help identify potential health issues long before symptoms develop, lead to a better prognosis and enable more effective treatment. Routine screenings and HPV vaccination can help prevent cervical cancer.

There are different stages of cervical cancer. Cancer stage is determined by the size of the tumor and how far the cancer has spread from where it first developed in the body.

The chance of recovery from or the recurrence of cervical cancer can depend on factors like: 

  • The type of cervical cancer 
  • The stage of cancer 
  • Age and general health 
  • If the cancer is newly diagnosed or has recurred 
  • If you have other health problems or diseases that weaken your immune system

Treatment options

Cervical cancer treatment options vary depending on the cancer stage, the patient’s overall health, and individual preferences. The treatment plan may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, often in combination. Chemotherapy utilizes drugs to stop cancer cell growth and may be combined with other treatments. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy may also be used for cervical cancer, with specific drugs like bevacizumab, tisotumab vedotin, and pembrolizumab helping to target cancer cells or enhance the immune system’s ability to fight the disease. 

Patients should discuss their fertility concerns with their health care team before starting treatment, as certain therapies may affect fertility. 

Cervical cancer during pregnancy is rare, but if you are pregnant and have cervical cancer, speak with your health care provider to discuss how to manage the benefits and risks of treatment and how the treatment may affect you, your pregnancy, and the possibility of becoming pregnant in the future. 

Discuss your situation and which treatment option is right for you with your health care provider.

Emotional and mental health support 

Cervical cancer can cause not only physical challenges but also emotional and mental health struggles, such as anxiety, stress, and depression. If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, it is important to prioritize your overall well-being by seeking support. 

There are cancer support groups to share experiences and gain encouragement from others who understand. Counseling and mental health resources can provide personalized strategies to manage anxiety and promote better sleep and emotional resilience. 

Take charge of your health today—awareness, prevention, early detection, and action can save lives. To learn more about HPV including risk factors, prevention, and diagnosis, visit FDA’s Office of Women’s Health HPV webpage. 

For resources and materials on other women’s health topics, visit www.fda.gov/womens.

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