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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the Cervix Uteri (the lower narrow part of the uterus) or cervical area. Most cases of Cervical Cancer are caused by a Sexually Transmitted Disease known as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Risk Factors:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• HIV Infection
• Chlamydia
• Smoking
• Overweight women
• Women with diets low in fruits and vegetables
• Long term use of Oral Contraceptives (the pill)
• Having multiple pregnancies
• Low income women without regular access to healthcare
• Family History of Cervical Cancer
• Pregnant women who were given the drug Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Signs & Symptoms: Individuals are commonly asymptomatic (without symptoms) however, symptoms can include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina (not your normal menstrual cycle)
• Bleeding and spotting between your regular menstrual cycle
• Bleeding after menopause
• Periods that are longer or heavier than usual
• Bleeding or pain after sex, douching, or a pelvic exam