Cervical cancer
Cancer is when abnormal cells start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. The cells can grow into surrounding tissues or organs and may spread to other areas of the body.
Find out more about cancer how it starts
The cervix is the lower part of the womb (uterus), also called the neck of the womb. It is a small round organ and a strong muscle. It has an opening called the os. The womb and the cervix are part of the female reproductive system.
The reproductive system is made up of the:
vulva
vagina
womb (uterus), including the cervix
fallopian tubes
ovaries
The diagram shows the position of these organs in the body.
The cervix forms a canal that connects the top of the vagina to the lower part of the womb. This is called the endocervical canal.
The cervix has 2 parts:
ectocervix – the outer surface of the cervix
endocervix – the inside (the canal) of the cervix
This video shows more detail about the female reproductive system.
A layer of skin-like cells covers the ectocervix on its outer surface. These cells are called squamous cells.
Glandular cells that produce mucus cover the endocervix.
The skin-like cells of the ectocervix can become cancerous, leading to squamous cell cervical cancer. This is the most common type of cervical cancer.
The glandular cells of the endocervix can also become cancerous, leading to adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
Read more about the types of cervical cancer
The transformation zone is where the area of glandular and squamous cells meets. Most cervical cancers start here.
The transformation zone is the area your doctor or nurse checks during cervical screening.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a test to look for HPV. If HPV is found (HPV positive), further tests look for abnormal cervical cells. If left untreated, the abnormal cells might develop into cancer.
Find out about cervical screening
Like all other body areas, there are lymph nodes around the womb and cervix. Lymph nodes (lymph glands) are part of the lymphatic system. They:
help to protect the body against infections
filter, drain and circulate the tissue fluid around all body cells and tissues. This fluid is called lymph fluid
Lymph nodes are also important in cancer. The lymph fluid around the cancer drains to the nearest lymph nodes. So, if any cancer cells break away from the tumour, the first place they can go is to the nearest lymph nodes.
When you have surgery for cervical cancer, your surgeon usually takes out some lymph nodes. They send them to the laboratory to check for cancer cells.
Read more about the lymphatic system and cancer
Cervical cancer is most common in women in their early 30’s.
Trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth can develop cervical cancer. This can happen when they haven't had an operation to remove their womb and cervix (total hysterectomy).
The main cause of cervical cancer is long lasting (persistent) infection of certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus. In most people, the immune system clears the infection without any problems.
Around 3,300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year. That’s around 9 cases diagnosed every day.
Find out more about HPV and the risks and causes of cervical cancer
Last reviewed: 05 Sept 2023
Next review due: 05 Sept 2026
There are several possible risks and causes of cervical cancer, including human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a major cause.
Cervical screening uses HPV primary screening. The cervical cells are first of all tested for the HPV virus. If high risk HPV is found, the laboratory will test the sample for cell changes.
Not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms. Things to look out for include unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sex or vaginal discharge.
You usually start by seeing your GP if you have symptoms that could be due to cervical cancer. Your doctor will then decide whether to do tests or refer you to a specialist.
Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of cervical cancer you have, how big it is, whether it has spread (the stage) and the grade. It also depends on your general health.
Survival depends on many factors including the stage and type of your cervical cancer.
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