What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is a very common virus spread by skin contact during sex. Most HPV infections go away on their own. When an infection stays for years, it can slowly cause changes that turn into cancer.

When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Heavy vaginal bleeding, such as soaking a pad every hour; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood or belly pain; Not able to eat or drink, or keep fluids down, for a day; Peeing much less than usual, or not at all; Blood in your urine or burning that does not go away; New or worse pelvic, back, or belly pain; Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg; Shortness of breath or chest pain; New rash, cough, or diarrhea while on immunotherapy; Eye pain or vision changes on tisotumab vedotin; If it feels very bad, call 911.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is often found early and treated with the goal of cure, and newer treatments help people at every stage.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through cervical cancer together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What cervical cancer is

Let's start with the basics. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the womb. It opens into the vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a common virus. It is called human papillomavirus. It spreads by skin contact during sex. Most infections go away on their own. When one stays for years, it can slowly cause cancer. Screening tests can find changes early. A vaccine can prevent most of these cancers. Having this virus is common and nothing to be ashamed of.

The main types

Now let's talk briefly about the types. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type. It starts in the flat cells on the outside of the cervix. Adenocarcinoma starts in the gland cells inside the cervix. It is treated much like the first type. Some cancers have both kinds of cells. Small cell cancer is rare and grows quickly. Precancer means abnormal cells that are not cancer yet. Treating them can prevent cancer. Your care team will tell you which type you have.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. A Pap test and a virus test check cells from the cervix. In a colposcopy, the doctor looks closely with a magnifying tool. A biopsy takes a small piece of tissue. It is the only way to know for sure. A cone biopsy removes a cone shaped piece of the cervix. A pelvic MRI scan shows the size of the tumor. A PET scan checks lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Blood tests check your blood counts and kidneys. You can read more about each test in the guide.

What the stage means

Next up, let's talk about stages. The stage tells how big the cancer is. It also tells how far it has spread. Doctors use exams and scans to set the stage. Cervical cancer uses stages one to four. Stage one is only in the cervix. Higher stages have grown further or spread. Doctors use the stage to plan your treatment. It also helps your whole team speak the same language. Ask your care team to explain yours.

Tumor markers and gene tests

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. For early cervical cancer, treatment is mostly based on stage. Tumor tests matter most if the cancer spreads or comes back. There are different markers. Each one has a different role. Some show if immunotherapy may work. Some point to other medicines. Your doctor will tell you which ones you have and what they mean. You can read more in the guide. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatments

Now let's talk about treatment. Very early cancer may need only a small surgery on the cervix. Some of these surgeries keep the chance of pregnancy. A hysterectomy removes the womb and cervix. For the larger version of this surgery, an open cut is preferred. Chemoradiation is radiation given together with chemotherapy. It is the main treatment for larger cancers. Internal radiation gives a strong dose right to the tumor. Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight the cancer. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options. Ask your care team if one is right for you.

Side effects and what helps

Let's talk about side effects. Feeling very tired is common during treatment. Short walks can help. Pelvic radiation can cause diarrhea or bladder burning. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your team. Chemotherapy can cause nausea. Anti-nausea medicine works well. Chemotherapy can also lower your blood counts. Call right away if you have a fever. Radiation can make the vagina narrow and dry. A dilator and moisturizers help. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well after treatment

Last, let's talk about living well. After treatment, you will have regular checkups with pelvic exams. If you smoke, quitting helps you heal. Treatment can change your sex life and body. It is okay to bring this up with your team. Talk with your family about the vaccine. It is normal to feel worried, sad, or alone. No one deserves cancer. Call your care team right away for a fever or chills. Call for heavy vaginal bleeding. Call for severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood. If it feels very bad, call 911. You can also visit our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. Thank you for learning with me. Write down any questions and bring them to your next visit. Call your care team any time you need them. You are not alone. People care about you and are ready to help.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills
Heavy vaginal bleeding, such as soaking a pad every hour
Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood or belly pain
Not able to eat or drink, or keep fluids down, for a day
Peeing much less than usual, or not at all
Blood in your urine or burning that does not go away
New or worse pelvic, back, or belly pain
Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg
Shortness of breath or chest pain
New rash, cough, or diarrhea while on immunotherapy
Eye pain or vision changes on tisotumab vedotin
If it feels very bad, call 911.

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is cervical cancer?: Cervical cancer starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is a very common virus spread by skin contact during sex. Most HPV infections go away on their own. When an infection stays for years, it can slowly cause changes that turn into cancer.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Heavy vaginal bleeding, such as soaking a pad every hour; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood or belly pain; Not able to eat or drink, or keep fluids down, for a day; Peeing much less than usual, or not at all; Blood in your urine or burning that does not go away; New or worse pelvic, back, or belly pain; Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg; Shortness of breath or chest pain; New rash, cough, or diarrhea while on immunotherapy; Eye pain or vision changes on tisotumab vedotin; If it feels very bad, call 911.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.