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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops when abnormal cells grow in the tissues of the cervix.

Quick facts about cervical cancerQuick facts about cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the 14^th most common cancer in females in the UK, accounting for 2% of all new cancer cases in females*

Types of cervical cancerTypes of cervical cancer

The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina in the female reproductive system.

The surface of the cervix is covered by two types of cells. The cell your cervical cancer develops from determines the type of cervical cancer you have:

Squamous cells

These cells line the outer surface of the cervix (ectocervix). Cancer that develops from squamous cells is known as squamous cell carcinoma and is the most common type of cervical cancer (accounting for 70% of cases).

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Glandular cells

These cells line the inner surface of the cervix (cervical canal or endocervix). Cancer of these cells is called adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is less common (25% of cases) than squamous cell carcinoma.

There are also some other rare carcinomas of the cervix, such as small cell carcinomas, cervical sarcoma, clear cell adenocarcinoma and mixed carcinomas (adenosquamous) which contain both squamous and glandular cells.

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Signs and symptoms of cervical cancerSigns and symptoms of cervical cancer

As signs and symptoms for cervical cancer can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive a cervical cancer diagnosis.

Symptoms include:

Vaginal bleeding between periods
Pain or bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
Changes in vaginal discharge
Menstrual bleeding that is longer or heavier than usual
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Pelvic pain

Stages of cervical cancerStages of cervical cancer

A cervical screening test can determine if there are any abnormal or cancerous cells in the cervix.

The TNM system is used to stage cervical cancer, and it helps doctors plan your treatment. The TNM stands for:

Tumour (T) – The degree to which the tumour has affected other tissue, for example how much of the cervix and surrounding tissue has been affected
Nodes (N) – Is a measure of whether lymph nodes have been affected
Metastasis (M) – Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body

The TNM information, along with other tests, helps determine the stage of your cervical cancer using the classifications below:

Stage I

The cancer is confined to the tissue of the cervix.

Stage II

The cancer has spread out of the cervix to the upper two-thirds of the vagina or other tissue next to the cervix.

Stage III

The cancer may also have spread to the pelvic side wall, or the tumour is causing obstruction to the kidney(s). The cancer has spread to the pelvic or abdominal lymph nodes.

Stage IVa

The cancer has spread to surrounding pelvic organs, including the bladder or rectum.

Stage IVb

The cancer has spread to beyond the pelvis, such as to the lungs, liver or bones.

Treatment for cervical cancer

There are many different types of treatment for cervical cancer. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions about cervical cancerFAQs

How common is cervical cancer?

1 in 130 UK females will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in their lifetime.

All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.¹

The introduction of the National Cervical Screening Program and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine program has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in the UK.

What can I do to decrease my risk of cervical cancer?

Participating in the National Cervical Screening Program and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine program are both important ways you can help prevent and ensure the early detection of cervical cancer.

There are a number of lifestyle-related factors you may also consider reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer, including:

Regular exercise – at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day
Avoiding smoking – Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer in women who have HPV
Reduce your alcohol intake – If you choose to drink, try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than two standard drinks a day
Eat a healthy, balanced diet – Eat a fibre-rich diet from grain and legume sources, as well as enjoying a variety of fruit (two serves) and vegetables (five serves) per day, limiting your intake of salt and saturated fats, and avoiding all processed meat

Where can I find out more about cervical cancer screening?

The NHS facilitates a screening programme – find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cervical-screening-programme-overview

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