In this Article

• What is the cervix?
• What is cancer?
• What are the risk factors and causes of cervical cancer?
• What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
• How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
• How is cervical cancer treated?
• What are the side effects of treatment for cervical cancer?
• What happens after treatment for cervical cancer?
• What support, research, and clinical trials information is available for cervical cancer patients?
• What resources are available to patients with cervical cancer?
• Cervical Cancer At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Cervical Cancer - Risk Factors at Time of Diagnosis
• Cervical Cancer Glossary
• Cervical Cancer Index

National Cancer Institute information resources

You may want more information for yourself, your family, and your doctor. The following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you.

Telephone

Cancer Information Service (CIS)
The CIS provides accurate, up-to-date information on cancer to patients and their families, health professionals, and the general public. Information Specialists translate the latest scientific information into understandable language and respond in English, Spanish, or on TTY equipment. Calls to the CIS are free.

Telephone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY: 1-800-332-8615

Internet

The NCI's Web site (http://www.cancer.gov) provides information from numerous NCI sources. It offers current information on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, genetics, supportive care, and ongoing clinical trials. It has information about NCI's research programs and funding opportunities, cancer statistics, and the Institute itself. Information Specialists provide live, online assistance through LiveHelp.

Cervix Cancer At A Glance

• Risk factors for cancer of the cervix have been identified.
• Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix.
• Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery.
• The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal bleeding.
• Cancer of the cervix can be diagnosed using a Pap test or other procedures that sample the cervix tissue.
• Cancer of the cervix requires different treatment than cancer that begin in other parts of the uterus.

SOURCE: National Cancer Institute, http://www.cancer.gov

Cervical Cancer - Risk Factors at Time of Diagnosis

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Did you have any of the risk factors for cervical cancer at the time of your diagnosis? If so, what were they?

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