Women's Health

Even when cervical cancer is not life-threatening, the consequences of the disease can be life-changing. Women with cervical cancer are confronted with potentially overwhelming physical and emotional changes. It is beneficial to have: An understanding partner A supportive network of family and friends Additional valuable support from healthcare personnel, counselors, clergy, and other cervical cancer […]

On the horizon are activities that spell good news in the fight against cervical cancer: Improving the Pap test Developments in human papillomavirus (HPV) research Clinical trials and other research Improving the Pap test Engineers, scientists, and physicians are working together to improve the way cervical cell samples are collected and analyzed during a Pap test.

Cervical cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth and division of cells that make up the cervix, which is the narrow, lower end of the uterus (womb). “Cancer” is the name for a group of diseases in which certain cells in the body have changed in appearance and function. Instead of dividing and growing in a controlled and

Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed in women who are between the ages of 50 and 55. Girls under age 15 rarely develop the disease, but the risk of cervical cancer does rise between the late teen years and the early 30’s. In both white and black women, cervical carcinoma in situ (a benign tumor) is most common between

We don’t know exactly what causes cervical cancer, but certain risk factors are believed to have an effect. Medical history and lifestyle – especially sexual habits – play a role in a woman’s chances of developing cervical cancer. The most significant risk factors are: Human papillomavirus (HPV) Sexual history Various other risk factors have also been identified.

Early-stage cervical cancer and precancerous cervical conditions are almost 100% curable. The most common forms of cervical cancer begin with changes in cervical cells. If these changes are detected early enough, treatment can be started immediately to prevent cervical cancer from developing. The best way to detect early cervical cancer and precancerous conditions of the cervix is

In many women, infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the first step in the progression from a normal cervix to cervical cancer. Recognized as the main cause of cervical cancer, sexually transmitted HPV induces the growth of abnormal cells that can become malignant. Some experts feel that these changes are unlikely to progress to

“Staging” is a method that has been developed to describe the extent of cancer growth. The stage of cervical cancer describes the tumor’s: Size Depth of penetration within the cervix Spread within and beyond the cervix Staging allows the physician to customize cancer treatment and to predict how a patient will fare over time. In

Routine screening for cervical abnormalities can detect early-stage cancer and precancerous conditions that could progress to invasive disease. The process begins with a Pap test, also known as a Pap smear. For further information about pap smear, go to Pap smear. This painless office procedure detects about 95% of all cervical cancers and precancerous cervical conditions. To perform

The main types of cervical cancer treatment are: Surgery, which may include a hysterectomy Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Also used in cervical cancer treatment are biological therapy and other therapies such as clinical trials. The type of treatment that is most appropriate for each case depends primarily on how early the cervical cancer is diagnosed. Other factors that affect treatment options

Pregnant women generally do not develop cervical cancer. A woman who does, and whose disease is diagnosed at a very early stage, can safely continue her pregnancy. However, physicians usually recommend either: A cesarean section (delivery of the baby through an incision in the abdominal wall) followed by hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) for delivery