Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer – screening and early detection

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix (the entrance to the uterus). This cancer is usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s important to have regular cervical screening tests to check for the presence of HPV. Regular screening prevents nine out of 10 cervical cancers. Cervical cancer vaccines are also available in Australia.

Cervical cancer – screening and early detection

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix (the entrance to the uterus). This cancer is usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

It’s important to have regular cervical screening tests to check for the presence of HPV. Regular screening prevents nine out of 10 cervical cancers.

Cervical cancer vaccines are also available in Australia.

Learn more about cervical screening tests.

HPV vaccine

Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects the surface cells of the genital area, including the cervix, vagina and vulva.

The best time to get immunised against HPV is before you become sexually active. Under the National Immunisation Program, a free HPV vaccine is given to people aged 12 to 13 at school.

If you have been vaccinated for HPV, it’s still important to get regular cervical screening tests. While the HPV vaccine is highly effective, it doesn’t prevent all HPV infections.

See your doctor for more information about the HPV vaccine.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix (the entrance to the uterus). Cervical cells can change over time and they may become cancerous.

Cervical cancer is the 13th most diagnosed cancer in women in Australia.

There are two types of cervical cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (starts in squamous cells) – most common.
• Adenocarcinoma (starts in glandular cells) – less common.

Some cervical cancers have both squamous and glandular cells.

Cervical cancer is more common in people over 30, although it can occur at any age. In Australia, a female has a one in 180 risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer by the age of 85.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cervical cancer may not be obvious, especially in the early stages. But symptoms may include:

• periods that are longer or heavier than usual
• bleeding between periods
• bleeding after sex
• bleeding after menopause.

Symptoms may also include:

• pain during sex
• unusual vaginal discharge
• pelvic pain.

Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:

• feeling very tired
• leg pain or swelling
• lower back pain.

Many of these symptoms may be related to other conditions, but if you’re worried, talk to your doctor.

Causes

Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects the surface cells of the genital area, including the cervix, vagina and vulva. It can also cause visible warts.

HPV is very common. About 80% of women will have the virus at some point in their lives, but many don’t know they've been exposed to the infection.

Most women with the infection don’t develop cervical cancer. Only certain types of HPV cause cancer.

Cervical cancer usually develops many years after the HPV infection occurs.

There are some other risk factors associated with cervical cancer. For example:

• smoking and passive smoking
• taking the oral contraceptive pill for five years or more (a small risk)
• a weakened immune system.

Diagnosis

Like many cancers, early diagnosis and detection lead to the best treatment outcomes.

A cervical screening test will check for HPV. If HPV is not detected, you can wait five years until your next test.

If you have an abnormal test result, you may need further tests, such as a second cervical screening test or a colposcopy. A colposcopy is when an instrument is used to look closely at your cervix and check for abnormal cells, and tissue samples (biopsy) are taken for testing.

If abnormal or cancerous cells are detected, your doctor will refer you to a cancer specialist for treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for precancerous cells

If precancerous cells are detected, treatment may include:

• laser therapy – laser therapy is used to remove abnormal cells and tissue (performed under local anaesthetic)
• loop excision – a heated wire loop is used to remove abnormal cells from the surface of the cervix (performed under local or general anaesthetic)
• cone biopsy – surgery to remove a larger area of the cervix (performed under general anaesthetic).

Treatment for cervical cancer

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the size and type of cancer, but it may include:

• surgery
• radiotherapy
• chemotherapy
• palliative treatment.

Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can cause menopause. Learn more about menopause due to cancer treatment.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of cervical cancer by:

• not smoking
• having regular cervical screening tests
• getting immunised against HPV.

When to see your doctor

See your doctor for regular cervical screening tests, and to get the HPV vaccine if you haven’t already had it. It’s important to see your doctor if you notice any symptoms of cervical cancer. In most cases, early detection and diagnosis lead to good outcomes.

Related resources

Download our fact sheets or visit resources for more information, including translated fact sheets.

More information about cervical cancer can be found on the following websites:

• Cancer Australia
• National Cervical Screening Program
• Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation

For more information about cervical screening and the HPV vaccine, visit the Cancer Council cervical screening web page.

If you would like to speak to a nurse for general information and support, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday).