Cervical cancer Mate pukupuku waha kōpū

Cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix) is when abnormal cells in the lining of your cervix grow in an uncontrolled way. Your cervix is the entrance to your uterus at the top of your vagina. Cervical cancer develops slowly over time, usually over many years.


Causes of cervical cancer

The most common cause of cervical cancer is human papilloma virus (HPV). It is spread through any type of sexual contact. Most people who have been sexually active will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives. 

HPV and cervical cancer

There are also some rare kinds of cervical cancer caused by other things.


Risk factors for cervical cancer

The most important risk factor is having HPV. Other factors include:

  • family history
  • smoking — smoking doubles your risk of getting cervical cancer
  • number of sexual partners — having more sexual partners increases your risk of contracting HPV
  • age — most common in women aged over 35 and under 60
  • not having regular cervical screening to detect changes before they become cancer
  • being on the contraceptive pill for more than 5 years if you also have an HPV infection
  • having a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

The changes that lead to cervical cancer happen slowly. These early changes usually have no symptoms.

If cancer of the cervix does develop, the main symptom is unusual bleeding from your vagina, such as:

  • bleeding between periods
  • bleeding after sex
  • bleeding after menopause.

Other symptoms are:

  • unusual vaginal discharge
  • pain during sex
  • pain in your pelvic region.

These symptoms do not always mean you have cervical cancer, but if you have them, it is important to get them checked out by your healthcare provider.


Diagnosing cervical cancer

If routine cervical screening picks up changes or you have concerning symptoms, you will need further investigations.

A colposcopy uses a lighted magnifying instrument to look at your cervix. A sample (biospy) may be taken to be looked at under a microscope.

Colposcopy

You may need a larger biospy taken known as a cone biopsy or LLETZ.

If you are found to have cancer you may have imaging tests, such as a CT, MRI or PET scan to see if it has spread.

Scans and x-rays


Treating cervical cancer

Your treatment will depend on several factors including:

  • the stage of your cancer (how far it has spread)
  • your age
  • what other health conditions you have.

It may include:

  • LLETZ or cone biopsy if your cancer is very small
  • surgery to remove your cervix
  • surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy)
  • surgery to remove your uterus and remove all or part of surrounding organs, such as ovaries, lymph nodes
  • chemotherapy
  • radiotherapy.

Cancer treatments

LLETZ treatment of the cervix


Self care when you have cancer

It is important to take care of yourself when you have cancer. Try to:

  • eat as well as you can
  • get regular physical activity
  • get plenty of sleep
  • talk to the people who care about you
  • accept or ask for help when you need it.

Living with cancer — Cancer Society


Preventing cervical cancer

These are some ways to reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer.

Cervical screening

Regular screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Finding changes in the cells through screening can help stop cervical cancer developing.

Cervical screening 

HPV vaccine

Getting the HPV vaccine. This protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It also helps to prevent genital warts.

HPV vaccine

Safer sex and condoms

Having safer sex. You can reduce your risk of contracting HPV by limiting your number of sexual partners. Using condoms will also reduce your risk for HPV transmission, but will not completely eliminate it.

Safer sex and condoms

Not smoking

Not smoking can reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer and is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Quitting smoking


Cancer support

Once someone has been diagnosed with cancer, we know there are some difficult days ahead. No matter where you are on the cancer pathway, there is always someone to connect with for support.

There are local services available to help make things easier for you and your whānau.

Support we offer — Cancer Society

Look good feel better

There are a number of benefits of belonging to a support group.

Health-based support groups