Cervical cancer is most commonly associated with infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread by intimate skin-to-skin sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
The cancer typically develops slowly and often causes no symptoms in its early stages.
Later, symptoms may include vaginal bleeding; a watery, bloodstained, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge; and pelvic pain. Untreated, the cancer may spread to the uterus and other organs. Cervical cancer can be detected early by cervical screening.
Treatment is usually with surgery. Advanced cancer is usually treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both, although surgery may also be used. An HPV vaccine is available to protect against strains of HPV associated with cervical cancer.