Cervical Cancer is the fourth most common cancer to affect women globally according to the World Health Organization (WHO).4 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that cervical cancer is a disease in which cells in the cervix, which is the connector of the vagina and the upper part of the uterus, grow out of control.1 Cervical cancer occurs mostly in women over age 30, but the risk is there for all women. According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44, with the average age being around 50. Additionally, it is important to note that more than 20% of cervical cancers are found in women over 65. These cancers rarely occur in women who have been getting regular tests to screen for cervical cancer before they were 65.2 So it remains important for women over 65 to continue cervical screenings. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer deaths have dropped significantly since the mid-1970s because of prevention and screening efforts. Even with this improvement, Black women and Native American women continue to face significant risk of death from cervical cancer. The death rates for Black women and Native American women are about 65% higher than the death rate of White women with cervical cancer.2 Medical mistrust, lack of follow-up care, and lack of information about cervical cancer all contribute to higher death rates of Black women.3
Knowing the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can help save more lives. It is important to know that early on, there may not be any signs or symptoms. This is why it is essential to be screened regularly per the guidelines established by health care providers and associations like the American Cancer Society. Common cervical cancer symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., following sex, after menopause onset, between periods, spotting, longer/heavier menstrual periods)
- Unusual vaginal discharge may include blood and occur between periods or after menopause
- Painful sex
- Pelvic region pain
- Swelling of the legs
- Problems urinating or having a bowel movement
- Blood in the urine
It is important to see a health care provider if you have any of these symptoms. Ignoring symptoms may allow cancer to grow and progress to an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat successfully.
Advanced stage cervical cancer can be prevented by having regular screening tests which have been shown to prevent cervical cancer and save lives. The tests recommended for cervical cancer screening are the HPV and Pap tests. The two can be done at the same time during an annual pelvic exam. The American Cancer Society recommends cervical cancer testing begin at age 25 with pap tests being done every 3 years and with a HPV test, every 5 years.
Additional prevention methods include:
- HPV vaccination
- Limit the number of sex partners and those with many sex partners
- Use a condom
- Don’t smoke
Each are effective ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
For more information on cervical cancer and additional resources visit the following sites:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Resources
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Cervical Cancer. Cervical Cancer. Published February 26, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/index.html
2. Cervical Cancer Overview | Guide To Cervical Cancer. http://www.cancer.org. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer.html
3.Cryer K. Why do Black women have the highest cervical cancer mortality compared to all other groups in the United States? St. Jude Research. Published June 11, 2024. https://www.stjude.org/research/progress/2024/why-do-black-women-have-the-highest-cervical-cancer-mortality.html
4. World Health Organization. Cervical Cancer. World Health Organization. Published 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
Public Health Matters 
Leave a comment