What causes cervical cancer in females?

Cervical cancer happens when cells change in a woman's cervix, which connects her uterus with her vagina. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is preventable with a vaccine.

Also know, what are the main causes of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.

Furthermore, can you get cervical cancer if you are not sexually active? Women who have never been sexually active rarely develop cervical cancer. Becoming sexually active at a young age can increase the risk for cervical cancer. But a woman can have HPV even when she has had only one sexual partner.

Similarly one may ask, how does a female get cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina). Its primary cause is the infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). Cervical cancer is caused by sexually acquired infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

What is the first sign of cervical cancer?

Early warning signs of cervical cancer When present, common symptoms of a tumor that develops in the cervix may include vaginal bleeding, including bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse or post-menopausal bleeding; unusual vaginal discharge, which may be watery, pink or foul-smelling; and pelvic pain.

35 Related Question Answers Found

How long can you have cervical cancer without knowing?

Most women with HPV won't get cervical cancer. The virus often resolves on its own in two years or less without any treatments. However, some people may continue to be infected long after exposure.

How do you feel when you have cervical cancer?

Once the cancer is more advanced, women may start to notice the following warning signs of cervical cancer:

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding. Dr.
Vaginal Discharge, Foul Smelling.
Pain During Sexual Intercourse.
Low Back, Pelvic or Appendix Pain.
Leg Pain.
Loss of Appetite or Unexplained Weight Loss.
Pap Test.
Pap Test Results.

Does cervical cancer spread fast?

Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix begin to grow out of control. These cells can also invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body. Usually, cervical cancer is very slow growing, although in certain circumstances it can grow and spread quickly.

Is cervical cancer only sexually transmitted?

HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and most people are infected with HPV shortly after the onset of sexual activity. Cervical cancer is caused by sexually acquired infection with certain types of HPV. Two HPV types (16 and 18) cause 70% of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cervical lesions.

How long can you live with cervical cancer?

The chances of living for at least five years after being diagnosed with cervical cancer are: stage 1 – 80-99% stage 2 – 60-90% stage 3 – 30-50%

What color is cervical cancer?

color teal

Can cervical cancer develop in 3 years?

It often takes several years for cervical cancer to develop. During this time, the cells on or around the cervix become abnormal. The early cell changes that occur before cancer is present are called dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Is cervical cancer treatable?

Cervical cancer is often curable if it's diagnosed at an early stage. When cervical cancer is not curable, it's often possible to slow its progression, prolong lifespan and relieve any associated symptoms, such as pain and vaginal bleeding. This is known as palliative care.

What happens to your body when you have cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer happens when cells change in a woman's cervix, which connects her uterus with her vagina. This cancer can affect the deeper tissues of her cervix and may spread to other parts of her body (metastasize), often the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.

How quickly does cervical cancer spread?

In fact, once cells in the cervix begin to undergo abnormal changes, it can take several years for the cells to grow into invasive cervical cancer. Many women experience precancerous changes in the cervix in their 20s and 30s, though the average woman with cervical cancer is diagnosed in her 50s.

Do nuns get cervical cancer?

Among 197 cancer deaths in nuns, Versluys found five deaths from cervical cancer--against an expected 4.6. These represented 2'5% of cancer deaths in nuns. Versluys' study found cervical cancer to be no less common in nuns than in other single women. The incidence in single women being about half that in married women.

At what age does cervical cancer occur?

between the ages of 35 and 44

Can you feel cervical cancer with your finger?

The healthcare provider places 1 finger in your rectum and the other finger in your vagina. This is to feel the tissue between and around these 2 organs. Some cervical cancer may be found during a pelvic exam. If something suspicious is seen during the pelvic exam, more tests will be needed.

How can you get cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer causes and risk factors include:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Having many sexual partners.
Smoking.
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) used over the long term.
Engaging in early sexual contact.

Does cervical cancer cause itching?

The most common warning sign of cervical cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge. Those warning signs are: Itching or burning sensations in the vagina. Low back or abdominal pain.

How are you tested for cervical cancer?

The following tests may be used to diagnose cervical cancer:

Bimanual pelvic examination.
Pap test.
HPV typing test.
Colposcopy.
Biopsy.
Pelvic examination under anesthesia.
X-ray.
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan.

Can cervical cancer cause back pain?

Advanced cervical cancer

If the cancer spreads out of your cervix and into surrounding tissue and organs, it can trigger a range of other symptoms, including: pain in your lower back or pelvis. severe pain in your side or back caused by your kidneys. constipation.