By: Allison Andrews, WHNP
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus. Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and vaccinations. It is also very curable when found and treated early.
What causes cervical cancer?
Most cervical cancer is caused by an infection with HPV. HPV is a virus that enters cells and can cause them to change. HPV is spread by skin to skin contact, which means that condoms may not protect you. Some strains of the virus cause genital warts, however most strains cause no symptoms at all. Most of the time, your immune system will clear the virus on its own. If HPV does not go away on its own, it may cause cervical cancer over time.
