Home Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops when abnormal cells grow in the tissues of the cervix.

Last modified: December 22, 2021

Quick facts about cervical cancerQuick facts

  • The rate of cervical cancer in Australia has significantly declined over the past 30 years, following the introduction of the National Cervical Screening Program and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine program in Australia
  • 74% of Australians live for at least five years following a cervical cancer diagnosis

Types of cervical cancerTypes of cervical cancer

The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina in the female reproductive system.

The surface of the cervix is covered by two types of cells. The cell your cervical cancer develops from determines the type of cervical cancer you have:

Squamous cells Glandular cells
Icon staff taking care of a patient

Squamous cells

These cells line the outer surface of the cervix (ectocervix). Cancer that develops from squamous cells is known as squamous cell carcinoma and is the most common type of cervical cancer (accounting for 70% of cases).

Glandular cells

These cells line the inner surface of the cervix (cervical canal or endocervix). Cancer of these cells is called adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is less common (25% of cases) than squamous cell carcinoma.

There are also some other rare carcinomas of the cervix, such as small cell carcinomas, cervical sarcoma, clear cell adenocarcinoma and mixed carcinomas (adenosquamous) which contain both squamous and glandular cells.

Signs and symptoms of cervical cancerSigns and symptoms

As signs and symptoms for cervical cancer can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive a cervical cancer diagnosis. 

Symptoms include:

  • Vaginal bleeding between periods

  • Pain or bleeding during or after sexual intercourse

  • Changes in vaginal discharge 

  • Menstrual bleeding that is longer or heavier than usual

  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause

  • Pelvic pain

     

     

Stages of cervical cancerStages

A cervical screening test can determine if there are any abnormal or cancerous cells in the cervix.

The TNM system is used to stage cervical cancer, and it helps doctors plan your treatment. The TNM stands for:

  • Tumour (T) – The degree to which the tumour has affected other tissue, for example how much of the cervix and surrounding tissue has been affected
  • Nodes (N) – Is a measure of whether lymph nodes have been affected
  • Metastasis (M) – Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body

The TNM information, along with other tests, helps determine the stage of your cervical cancer using the classifications below:

Stage I cervical cancer Stage II cervical cancer Stage III cervical cancer Stage IVa cervical cancer Stage IVb cervical cancer

Stage I

The cancer is confined to the tissue of the cervix.

Stage II

The cancer has spread out of the cervix to the upper two-thirds of the vagina or other tissue next to the cervix.

Stage III

The cancer may also have spread to the pelvic side wall, or the tumour is causing obstruction to the kidney(s). The cancer has spread to the pelvic or abdominal lymph nodes.

Stage IVa

The cancer has spread to surrounding pelvic organs, including the bladder or rectum.

Stage IVb

The cancer has spread to beyond the pelvis, such as to the lungs, liver or bones.

Treatment for cervical cancer

There are many different types of treatment for cervical cancer. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions about cervical cancerFAQs

Is cervical cancer hereditary?

There is no known genetic cause of cervical cancer.

The majority of cervical cancers are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Although you can’t inherit cervical cancer, you may still have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer because of your genes. For example, women with a mother or sister who had the disease may have a higher risk of developing it themselves. It’s not currently understood if this is caused by an inherited condition that makes some women more vulnerable to HPV infection than others.

What causes cervical cancer?

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection (an infection that doesn’t go away) with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the greatest risk factor for cervical cancer.

Other risk factors can include smoking, having a weakened immune system, long term use of the oral contraceptive pill (the pill). In the past, some women were prescribed diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy. This hormone is associated with a particular type of cervical or vaginal cancer in their children.  

It’s important to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor as your risk factors will depend on your individual circumstances.

Approximately 80% of women will become infected with genital HPV at some point in their lifetime if they are sexually active. However, the majority of women with HPV infection will not get cervical cancer.

How common is cervical cancer?

In Australia, one in 162 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer by the age of 85.

The introduction of the National Cervical Screening Program and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine program has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in Australia.

Australia has one of the lowest rates of cervical cancer in the world due to our screening program and effective treatment of precancerous changes. Together with the HPV vaccination program, Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer.

What can I do to decrease my risk of cervical cancer?

Participating in the National Cervical Screening Program and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine program are both important ways you can help prevent and ensure the early detection of cervical cancer.

There are a number of lifestyle-related factors you may also consider to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer, including:

  • Regular exercise – Cancer Australia recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day
  • Avoiding smoking – Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer in women who have HPV
  • Reduce your alcohol intake – If you choose to drink, try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than two standard drinks a day
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet – Eat a fibre-rich diet from grain and legume sources, as well as enjoying a variety of fruit (two serves) and vegetables (five serves) per day, limiting your intake of salt and saturated fats, and avoiding all processed meat
Where can I find out more about cervical cancer screening?

For more information on cervical cancer screening, you can have a look at the Cancer Council’s Guide to Cervical Cancer Screening and the Australian Government’s National Cervical Screening Program.

Are there clinical trials available for cervical cancer that I can participate in?

Icon offers clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types and treatments. If you would like more information on participating in a clinical trial, please speak with your doctor who will be able to find a trial that might be right for you and your cancer. 

See current clinical trials delivered by Icon Cancer Centre. 

Helpful Links

ReferencesReferences

For a full list of references, click here.
  1. Cancer Council. (2021). Cervical Cancer. Retrieved on 8 November 2021 from https://cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer.html?_ga=2.107198658.1791040564.1569977015-345937469.1569977015#jump_1
  2. Cancer Council. (2021). Types of Cancer – Cervical Cancer. Retrieved on 8th November 2021 from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer
  3. Cancer Council. (2019). Understanding Cervical Cancer: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends. Retrieved on 01 October 2019 from https://cancer.org.au/content/about_cancer/ebooks/cancertypes/Understanding_cervical_cancer_booklet_September_2019.pdf#_ga=2.107198658.1791040564.1569977015-345937469.1569977015
  4. Cancer Council Victoria (2021). Cervical cancer. Retrieved on 18 November 2021 from https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/cervical_cancer/cervical-cancer-overview.html
  5. American Cancer Society. (2019). Cervical Cancer Stages. Retrieved on 03 October 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staged.html
  6. Australian Government, Cancer Australia. (2021). Cervical cancer – diagnosis. Retrieved on 15 November 2021 from https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/how-cervical-cancer-diagnosed
  7. American Cancer Society. (2021). Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer. Retrieved 18 November 2011 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
Helpful links
Treatment for cervical cancer Iconic Community Doctors
Becoming a patient
Clinical Opinion Articles

How Australia can remain on-track to eliminate cervical cancer in post-COVID era

Dr Rebecca Chin shares her thoughts on how new technology and regional care are key to hitting ambitious target by 2035
Cancer Education

What you need to know about cancer research and clinical trials

View a Facebook Live with Icon specialists from across Australia and Singapore
Clinical Opinion Article

Five tips for life beyond cancer treatment

Icon Medical Director and Clinical Haematologist Dr Ian Irving shares his advice on how to stay well and find your new normal once treatment ends

More information

Become a patient

Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.

Doctors

Icon brings together some of Australia’s most experienced medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and haematologists.

Care at Icon

At Icon, care is more than just a word. Our cancer care team are here to support you with compassion, knowledge and hope.

Iconic Community

Our patients share their perspective and advice.
View all

Search

Quick links
Contact us
Become a patient