Learn the facts about Cervical Cancer.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When these abnormal cells are present in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix.

As the drawing shows, the cervix is the lower, narrower part of the uterus. The uterus is also known as the womb. The upper part of the uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. The cervix connects the upper part of the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal).

• Cervical cancer can usually be prevented if women are screened regularly with a test called the Pap test.

• It is estimated that during 2003, about 12,200 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 4,100 women will die of the disease.

• Any woman who has a cervix can get cervical cancer, especially if she or her sexual partner has had sex with several other partners.

• Most often, cervical cancer develops in women aged 40 or older.

• Abnormal cells in the cervix and cervical cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first. That's why getting tested for cervical cancer is important, even if there are no symptoms.

• When it is found early and treated, cervical cancer is highly curable.

• Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular checkups with the Pap test.