Cervical cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer that originates in the cells of the cervix, which is the narrow, lower portion of the uterus (womb). It is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
It usually develops slowly over time. Thanks to the PAP test for cervical cancer screening, it can be detected early and even prevented. The PAP test will detect cancerous and precancerous cells, known as dysplasia, which can be treated before they progress to cancer.
If found in its early stages, cervical cancer is highly curable.
Learn more about how cervical cancer is diagnosed.
