Cancer of the cervix (also called "cervical cancer") begins in the lining of the cervix. This cancer does not form suddenly. First, some cells begin to change from normal to pre-cancer and then to cancer. This can take a number of years, although sometimes it happens more quickly. These changes are referred to by several terms, including dysplasia. For some women, these changes may go away without any treatment. More often, they need to be treated to keep them from changing into true cancers.
There are two main types of cancer of the cervix. About 80% to 90% are squamous cell carcinomas. The other 10% to 20% are adenocarcinomas. If the cancer has features of both types it is called mixed carcinoma. If you have cervical cancer, ask your doctor to explain exactly what type of cancer you have.
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But since 1955 the number of deaths from cervical cancer has declined a lot. The main reason for this change is the use of the Pap test to find cervical cancer early.
"I go for my Pap Test every year. It's a simple test that can help save your life, and to me that's worth it. I did it, why don't you?"
Zahira