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Cervical Cancer

Diagram of the female genital tract depicting fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later.

When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because screening tests and a vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are available. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

Next: Basic Information


Featured Resources

Photo of Cote de Pablo

Actress Cote de Pablo discusses her cervical cancer scare and has a message for women in this video.

Photo of a woman

Test your Inside Knowledge about cervical cancer with this quiz!

Cervical Cancer fact sheet

Our cervical cancer fact sheet describes cervical cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening options.

Cervical cancer can be prevented podcast Cervical cancer can be prevented. Listen as two friends—one a doctor—talk about symptoms and screening tests.

Photo of a doctor using a computer

The Gynecologic Cancer Curriculum provides continuing education (CE) for primary health care providers.

HPV Vaccine Is Cancer Prevention Video

In this video, a cervical cancer survivor shares how she protects her children from HPV-related cancers.

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