Globally, cervical cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with 604 000 new cases estimated in 2024. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in 26 countries, primarily in sub‐Saharan Africa and parts of South and Central America, Melanesia, and South‐East Asia. These regional differences reflect inequalities in access to vaccination, screening and treatment services.
Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb.
It is one of the most preventable cancers. HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening can help stop it from developing.
When cervical cancer is found early, treatment is often very successful.
How common is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer affects women across the world, but it is more common in places where access to HPV vaccination, screening and treatment is limited.
Estimated new cases each year include:
| Region | Estimated number of new cases |
| Africa | About 125,000 |
| Europe | About 59,000 |
| United Kingdom | About 3,300 |
| North America | About 15,000 |
| South America | About 45,000 |
Africa has a much higher number of cases and deaths compared with many wealthier countries.
This is mainly because fewer women have access to HPV vaccination, cervical screening and early treatment.
What causes cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by long-term infection with certain types of human papillomavirus, known as HPV.
HPV is very common and is mainly passed through sexual or close skin-to-skin contact.
Most people who get HPV will clear the infection naturally and never develop cancer.
However, in some people, HPV stays in the body for many years. It can then cause changes in the cells of the cervix. If these changes are not found and treated, they may slowly develop into cancer.
Having HPV does not mean that someone has cancer.
Who may be at higher risk?
The risk may be higher in people who:
- Smoke
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have HIV
- Do not attend cervical screening
- Have not had the HPV vaccine
- Have had abnormal cervical cells in the past
What are the symptoms?
Early cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms.
Possible symptoms include:
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after the menopause
- Periods becoming heavier than usual
- Vaginal discharge that is different from normal
- Pain during sex
- Ongoing pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or back
These symptoms are common and can be caused by many other conditions.
However, they should always be checked by a doctor, especially if they are new, unusual or do not go away.
Do not wait for your next cervical screening appointment if you have symptoms.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer.
It is not a test for cancer itself. It checks for high-risk HPV and abnormal cells that may later become cancer.
During the test, a nurse or doctor gently places a small instrument called a speculum into the vagina. A soft brush is then used to collect cells from the cervix.
In the UK, people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are usually invited for screening every five years.
What do the screening results mean?
No high-risk HPV found
The chance of developing cervical cancer is very low. You will usually be invited again at the normal time.
High-risk HPV found, but no abnormal cells
You may be asked to have another test later.
High-risk HPV and abnormal cells found
You may be referred for a closer examination called a colposcopy.
Abnormal cells are not the same as cancer.
Treating abnormal cells can stop cancer from developing.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
If cervical cancer is suspected, tests may include:
- An examination of the cervix
- Colposcopy
- A biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is removed
- MRI, CT or PET scans
A biopsy is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis.
What does the stage mean?
The stage describes how far the cancer has spread.
Stage 1
The cancer is only in the cervix.
Stage 2
The cancer has spread outside the cervix but has not reached the pelvic wall or lower vagina.
Stage 3
The cancer has spread further into the pelvis, lower vagina, nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Stage 4
The cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the bladder or bowel, or to distant parts of the body.
The stage helps doctors choose the most suitable treatment.
How is cervical cancer treated?
Treatment depends on:
- The stage of the cancer
- The size of the cancer
- Whether it has spread
- The person’s general health
- Whether they wish to have children in the future
The main treatments are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted treatment and immunotherapy.
Surgery
Surgery is often used for early cervical cancer.
Possible operations include:
Cone biopsy
A small cone-shaped piece of the cervix is removed.
This may be enough for some very small cancers.
Trachelectomy
The cervix is removed, but the womb is left in place.
This may allow some women to become pregnant in the future.
Hysterectomy
The womb and cervix are removed.
Nearby tissues and lymph nodes may also be removed if needed.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
It may be given from outside the body or from inside the vagina near the cervix.
Internal radiotherapy is called brachytherapy.
Chemoradiotherapy
For cancer that has spread beyond the cervix, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often given together.
Chemotherapy can make radiotherapy work better.
Treatment for advanced cancer
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or has come back, treatment may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted medicines
- Radiotherapy
- Surgery in selected cases
- Treatment to control pain, bleeding or other symptoms
Palliative care may also be offered.
This does not mean giving up. It helps control symptoms and supports quality of life.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Many cases can be prevented by:
- Having the HPV vaccine
- Attending cervical screening
- Treating abnormal cells when advised
- Stopping smoking
- Seeking medical advice for unusual bleeding or persistent symptoms
Condoms may reduce the risk of HPV, but they do not completely prevent it.
When should you see a doctor?
Speak to a GP if you have:
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after the menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Ongoing pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be checked.
Key message
Cervical cancer can often be prevented.
HPV vaccination, cervical screening and early treatment of abnormal cells save lives.
If you notice unusual bleeding, discharge or pelvic pain, seek medical advice early.
Sources: GLOBOCAN, WHO, NHS-UK, FIGO
Remember, everywoman is different. Always contact your GP/Gynaecologist for help.
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