Quick facts about cervical cancer
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 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:
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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).
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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.
Other carcinomas
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 cancer
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 cancer
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:
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Stage I
The cancer is confined to the tissue of the cervix.
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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.
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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.
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Stage IVa
The cancer has spread to surrounding pelvic organs, including the bladder or rectum.
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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.
Frequently asked questions about cervical cancer
Helpful resources
References
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