How do cervical cancer develop

It isn't clear what causes cervical cancer, but it's certain that HPV plays a role. HPV is very common, and most people with the virus never develop cancer. This means other factors — such as your environment or your lifestyle choices — also determine whether you'll develop cervical cancer.

The type of cervical cancer that you have helps determine your prognosis and treatment. The main types of cervical cancer are:. Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix. Cervical cancer care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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Overview Cervical cancer Open pop-up dialog box Close. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix. Female reproductive system Open pop-up dialog box Close. Female reproductive system The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina vaginal canal make up the female reproductive system. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Where cervical cancer begins Open pop-up dialog box Close. Where cervical cancer begins Two types of cells line the surface of the cervix, and both can become cancerous.

It occurs most often in women over age Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex.

At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

Are you worried about the cost? CDC offers free or low-cost cervical cancer screening tests. Find out if you qualify. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Cervical Cancer. Section Navigation. Many women experience precancerous changes in the cervix in their 20s and 30s, though the average woman with cervical cancer is diagnosed in her 50s.

Because of this, there are many opportunities for early detection and treatment before the cancer has progressed to later stages. Therefore, it is especially important for women to undergo routine Pap tests to detect abnormal changes as soon as possible. Additionally, women should understand what is normal for their bodies, and report any cervical cancer symptoms to a physician as soon as they develop.

Some symptoms of cervical cancer include:. Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix grow and divide uncontrollably. Unlike many other cancers whose causes are largely still unknown, cervical cancer is most often caused by human papillomavirus HPV. Women can get an HPV vaccine, which protects against the strains of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer. These tests can help your physician detect abnormal changes in the cervix before cancer fully develops.

When detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.