Chapter 10 Cervical Cancer: Cancer

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Chapter 10: Cervical cancer

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The cervix is sometimes called the neck of the uterus; it is located at the base of the uterus, where it meets the vagina. Cervical cancer can develop when cells grow abnormally, forming a tumor. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.

The biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is actually a family of more than 70 viruses that cause warts in various parts of the body. Some of these viruses are transmitted during sexual contact and can infect the vagina and cervix. Although HPV infection does not cause cancer in and of itself, it can change cells in such a way that they may become cancerous later on. Smoking cigarettes may also increase your risk, although the cause-and-effect relationship is less clear than for HPV infection.

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Last updated:	May 01, 2008

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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