The cervix is the lower-most part of the uterus (womb). It is the
part that protrudes into the top of the vagina, and it connects the
uterus to the vagina. The function of the cervix is to act as a barrier
between the outside world and the cavity of the uterus.
Cancer of the cervix is probably the most preventable of all cancers
that occur in women. This cancer grows slowly and goes through a
pre-cancerous phase which may last for several years before cancer
actually develops. This pre-cancerous phase is best diagnosed by a Pap
smear, which is designed to pick up the presence of pre-cancerous
cells developing on the cervix.
Essentially, cancer of the cervix can only exist in women who have
been sexually active. The more sexual partners a woman has had, and the
more partners that their partners have had, the greater is her risk of
developing cervical cancer. Any woman who has become sexually active
should undertake regular Pap smear testing every two years. Queensland
now has a Pap
Smear Register to remind women when they are due for their next
smear, and to allow doctors to compare current and previous test
results.
Human Papilloma Virus (also known as wart virus) is thought to be the
primary and most important causal factor in the development of cancer of
the cervix. There are about 60 different subtypes of the wart virus
infection. Only 10 of these carry a high risk of developing into
cervical cancer. Please ask your doctor if you have any concerns.
Early stages of cervical cancer are usually without symptoms,
although if symptoms do occur, post-coital bleeding (bleeding after
intercourse) is one of the more common. Any woman who has noticed
bleeding from the vagina after sexual intercourse or has noticed a blood
stained discharge from the vagina, not related to menstruation
(periods), should see her family doctor without delay.
Studying the Causes
The study of the occurrence and the causes of disease in the
population is called Epidemiology. An epidemiologist studies how common
a specified disease is, who is affected by it, and what are the factors
that are associated with developing that disease, as well as studies
aimed at controlling the disease.
Types Of Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix is most often of the squamous cell type, with a
small number being of the type known as adenocarcinoma.
Factors That Increase Risk
