Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer
Overview
Cervical cancer develops very slowly from abnormal cell changes in the cervix. These changes don’t cause any symptoms, but they may be found with cervical screening tests. If the tests show abnormal cell changes, treatment can prevent cancer developing.
The cervix is the lower part of the womb (uterus) that joins to the top of the vagina. It’s sometimes called the neck of the womb. People who have a cervix include women, transgender (trans) men and people assigned female at birth.
Each year, more than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK. This type of cancer can affect all ages.
Types of cervical cancer
There are 2 main types of cervical cancer. The most common is squamous cell carcinoma. This develops from a type of cell that covers the outside of the cervix, at the top of the vagina.
The other type is adenocarcinoma. This develops from a different type of cell found in the cervical canal (the endocervix).
Rarer types of cervical cancer include:
- adenosquamous carcinoma
- clear cell carcinoma
- neuroendocrine carcinoma or small cell carcinoma of the cervix
- lymphoma
- sarcoma
These are much less common and may be treated differently. If you need more information, Macmillan Cancer Support’s cancer support specialists may be able to help.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is mainly caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), a very common virus with more than 100 types. Some types of HPV affect the cervix and cause abnormal cell changes that can, over time, turn into cervical cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support has more information about HPV and other causes and risk factors of cervical cancer.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms, you'll usually see your GP first. They'll examine you and may refer you to the hospital for a specialist assessment and tests. If your GP thinks you may have cancer, they'll refer you urgently to the hospital.
Cervical cancer may also be diagnosed during cervical screening. This isn't common but sometimes happens.
Get Checked Early has more information on what to expect when getting checked.
Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about diagnosing cervical cancer.
Staging of cervical cancer
The stage of cervical cancer describes its size and whether it has spread from where it first started. Knowing the stage helps your doctors plan the best treatment for you.
Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about staging of cervical cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for cervical cancer
A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
The treatment you have depends on:
- the stage of the cancer
- the size of the cancer
- your general health
- whether you have been through the menopause
- whether you want to get pregnant in future
You and your specialist doctor will decide on the right treatment plan for you. Your doctor is an expert in the most effective treatments. But you know most about your own situation and preferences.
Protecting your fertility
Treatments for cervical cancer may affect your fertility and cause an early menopause. An early menopause means having the menopause before the age of 45.If you want to get pregnant in the future, it’s important to talk to your doctors about this. You may be able to have treatment that can protect your fertility. If this isn’t possible, your doctor can refer you to a fertility specialist. You can talk with the specialist about options like having egg or embryo storage before treatment.
Types of treatment
You may have more than one of the following treatments. You may also have treatment as part of a clinical trial.
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove all the cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support have more information out what happens before and after surgery.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. This may be used on its own or in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation).
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapies are drugs that target something in or around the cancer cell that’s helping it grow and survive.
Immunotherapy
The immune system protects the body against illness and infection.
Immunotherapies are treatments that use the immune system to find and attack cancer cells. Nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (YERVOY®) are immunotherapy drugs that are starting to be used in cervical cancer treatment. At the moment, they can only be used as part of a clinical trial.
Your doctor or nurse can give you more information about the right treatment for your situation.
Treatment for early-stage cervical cancer
Most cancers of the cervix are diagnosed at an early stage. Surgery is the main treatment.
Radiotherapy or chemoradiation (radiotherapy given with chemotherapy) is sometimes used:
- instead of surgery – if you’re not fit for a big operation or general anaesthetic
- after surgery – to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back
Treatment for locally advanced cancer
Chemoradiation is the main treatment for locally advanced cancer.
Treatment for advanced-stage cancer
Chemotherapy, and sometimes a targeted therapy called bevacizumab, may be used if the cancer has spread to distant parts of your body like the liver or lungs. It may help to shrink and control the cancer and relieve symptoms. This is called palliative treatment.
After cervical cancer treatment
After your treatment has finished, you’ll have regular check-ups with your cancer doctor or nurse. These may include:
- a phone appointment
- a physical examination
- blood tests
- x-rays
- scans
Macmillan Cancer Support have more information on follow-up care after treatment.
Even if you already have a healthy lifestyle, you may choose to make some positive lifestyle changes after treatment.
Making small changes like eating well and keeping active can improve your health and wellbeing and help your body recover.
You may get anxious between appointments. This is natural. It may help to get support from family, friends or a support organisation.
Macmillan Cancer Support also has further information to support you. You can:
- phone the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00
- chat to Macmillan specialists online
- use the Macmillan cervical cancer forum – you can talk to others affected by cervical cancer, ask questions and share your experience
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.