Cervical Cancer Overview

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer affecting the female reproductive system. [24] Cervical cancer begins in the epithelium (surface lining) of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb). Cervical cancers typically take time to develop. Following infection with cancer-causing HPV, normal cervical cells may gradually develop precancerous changes that can eventually turn into cancer. This process usually takes several years, but can sometimes happen in less than a year. [11]

There are 2 main types of cervical cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinomas account for approximately 80% of cervical cancers. The cancer starts on the squamous cells that cover the surface of the cervix. [11]
• Adenocarcinomas account for approximately 20% of cervical cancers. These cancer cells develop from the mucus-producing gland cells of the endocervix. This is becoming more common in women born in the last 20 to 30 years despite Pap smear screening. [11]

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with oncogenic (cancer-causing) human papillomavirus (HPV). [11] HPV is a group of more than 100 viruses, and more than 30 of these can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. It is estimated that more than 6 million women in the United States have HPV infection. [12] However, not all women with HPV will develop cervical cancer.

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