Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Cervical Cancer

1. What causes cervical cancer?

   Most cervical cancer is caused by certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is the virus that causes genital warts. Smoking cigarettes has also been shown to increase the likelihood of a woman getting cervical cancer.

2. Who is most likely to get cervical cancer?

   Women who meet any of the following criteria are at higher risk of getting cervical cancer:

   • Smoke cigarettes
   • Have had genital warts or have the human papilloma virus
   • Have had other sexually transmitted diseases
   • Have HIV or AIDS
   • Have had a pre-cancerous lesion on the cervix
   • Have had more than five sexual partners (especially male partners)
   • Mother took DES while pregnant
      

   Meeting any of the above criteria does not mean that a woman will definitely get cervical cancer. However, those women should make sure they have annual Pap tests. The Pap test is described in the next section.

3. How is cervical cancer treated?

   Sometimes cervical cancer is found before it is even considered cancer. These pre-cancerous lesions can often be removed in a doctor’s office or clinic. Two common procedures are called the LEEP and Cone. Both of these involve removing the lesion from the cervix. If the cancer is more serious, the woman will have surgery. Cervical cancer tumors, if left untreated, can expand to the uterus, vagina and other surrounding tissue. Some women need a hysterectomy, followed by either chemotherapy and/or radiation.

4. Can Cervical Cancer be prevented?

   Yes.  Cervical cancer can be prevented by doing the following:

   • Use condoms when having sexual intercourse if you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship
   • Quit smoking if you now smoke, or don’t start smoking
   • Have a regular Pap test so any lesion can be found before it becomes cancer
      

Note: The information given above is for educational purposes only. These questions and answers should not replace a discussion with a doctor if you think you might have breast or cervical cancer.

Last Updated: 04/10/2006                                     Breast & Cervical Cancer Project / Links