As a cervix owner, it’s natural to be concerned about cervical cancer — a type of cancer that develops in the cervix or the lower part of the uterus. But here’s the good news: this is something you can take control of. With the right information and tools, you can be proactive about your health and hopefully rest a little easier. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers out there, thanks to things like vaccines and regular screenings.

If you’re here because you’ve recently been diagnosed with HPV, take a deep breath. It’s incredibly common, and it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop cervical cancer. Most of the time, HPV clears up on its own without causing any problems.

Still, we know a diagnosis can bring up a lot of questions. So, let’s talk about HPV, its connection to cervical cancer, and the steps you can take to stay healthy. We’re here to provide you with the information you need to feel confident and empowered about your reproductive health.

What is a cervix?

The cervix is the lower end of your uterus, at the top of the vagina. You can think of it as the gateway between your vagina and your womb — if a typical gateway was shaped like a soft, spongey donut. Your cervix allows blood to pass from the uterus to the vagina when you’re on your period, as well as allowing sperm to swim up into the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg during conception. It’s about 1-1.3 inches long.

“Cervical cancer is a condition where healthy cells in a woman’s cervix change and become cancerous – usually due to viral exposure over time,” CEO and founder of BasisDx, Andreas M. Kogelnik, MD, PhD, tells FemmeFunn. In other words, cervical cancer happens when a virus causes the natural cells of your cervix to warp or turn into cancer. We’ll get into what that virus looks like in a bit.

How do you get cervical cancer?

Your cervix is made up of beautiful, lush cells. However, there are a couple of external factors that, when introduced to your vaginal environment, can cause those cells to become cancerous.

Human papillomavirus is a very common virus transmitted through sexual contact. There are 20 million new cases of HPV in the United States each year. Most people with HPV never develop cancer. HPV comes in two main types: “non-oncogenic,” which causes warts, and “oncogenic,” which can lead to cancer (emphasis on can, not will). Only about 13 types of high-risk HPV can cause cervical cancer, and some are also linked to cancers in the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and certain throat cancers. Most people don’t even know they have HPV, as the immune system usually clears the virus within two years. But if an oncogenic HPV infection sticks around, it can cause abnormal cell changes that might lead to cancer, specifically in the cervix.

Other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• A family history of cervical cancer
• Long-term use of birth control pills
• Multiple full-term pregnancies

Signs of Cervical Cancer

Here’s why regular screenings are so important: Cervical cancer often develops without any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. That’s why staying on top of your screenings is key. It’s the best way to detect any potential issues early on, when they’re most treatable.

“Cervical cancer can be asymptomatic or have symptoms including pain during sex, vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, and, in severe cases, an abdominal mass,” says Dr. Kogelnik. “The best test for diagnosing cervical cancer is a cervical Pap smear test,” he adds. “There are newer tests on the market, but none are quite as good as the Pap smear. Scientists are working on male and female tests for detecting cervical cancer.”

Diagnosis & Screening

Taking charge of your cervical health starts with being informed. Here’s a look at some of the tools your OB/GYN has to help catch cervical cancer early:

Pap Smear: The Pap smear is the tried and true method of detecting abnormal cells in your cervix. During the test, the doctor will gently insert a small brush or a swab into your vagina and collect a sample from your cervix. While nobody necessarily looks forward to this, it shouldn’t be painful and only takes a few minutes. Afterward, the cervical cells collected during your Pap smear are sent to a lab for testing. You’ll get your results in a few short weeks.

HPV Test: Since the majority of cervical cancer cases start with HPV, you can get tested for the presence of high-risk HPV types. An HPV test is similar to a Pap smear and can actually be done at the same time. A two-for-one deal, if you will.

Colposcopy & Biopsy: Sometimes, your Pap smear will return abnormal results. Don’t worry — this means that more testing is needed, not that they’ve found cancer. The next step is typically a colposcopy, where a doctor will use a magnifying device to closely inspect your cervix. If they spot any concerning cells or spots, they’ll take a biopsy. This is a small tissue sample that will be sent away for further testing. A colposcopy can be a little uncomfortable, and you might feel some cramping that’s similar to menstrual cramps.

Treatment Options

If your cervical cancer is detected early, treatment options may include surgery (such as a conization procedure to remove abnormal tissue) or radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may also be used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

In later stages, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are typically the main treatment approach. For advanced cervical cancer, chemotherapy may be used alone.

At any stage, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) might be considered for prevention or treatment. It’s important to understand that this procedure results in the inability to become pregnant.

A hysterectomy is a major decision, no doubt about it. You’ll need to weigh the peace of mind that comes with eliminating the risk of cervical cancer against the impact it has on your ability to have children. It’s super important to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about this. They can help you consider your unique situation and what matters most to you.

Prevention is Key

Stopping cervical cancer in its tracks before it progresses or even develops is largely in your control. Preventative measures such as regular checkups and vaccines keep the prognosis for cervical cancer manageable in the majority of cases. Consider whether you’re up to date or need to make an appointment for the following precautionary steps.

Gardasil: The HPV Vaccine

Gardasil is a routine vaccination that protects you from harmful forms of HPV, so you’ll never have to worry about this virus becoming cancer. This nifty little injection is highly effective, preventing up to 90% of HPV-related cervical and pelvic cancers if administered before you’re exposed.

The target age range for the Gardasil vaccine is 11 to 12 for both boys and girls, but it can be given as early as age nine. If you’re 15 years or older, three doses are recommended over the course of six months. Don’t be anxious if you haven’t yet had your Gardasil shot — it’s approved for adults up to 45; it’s just most effective when given before exposure to HPV.

Regular Screenings 

Say it with me now: “Pap smear!” What causes HPV to develop into cancer is often unchecked cell changes. Adhering to regularly recommended screening guidelines, which means getting your Paps on time and testing for HPV when necessary, can make a world of difference in preventing cervical cancer. Check in with your doctor if you’re curious about when to schedule a Pap.

When to See Your Doctor

For the most part, your annual appointment will ensure you don’t need to make an emergency pitstop to your OB/GYN with unusual symptoms related to the cervix. You can feel confident they’ll likely spot, test for, and detect abnormal cells early. However, if you start to experience any of the following, it’s a sign to bump your appointment up:

• Off-cycle vaginal bleeding when you’re not on your period, especially after sex or after menopause
• Vaginal discharge that’s watery, has a strong odor, or contains blood
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex
• Difficult or painful trips to the bathroom, whether for #1 or #2
• Aches and pains. Think: A dull backache, swelling of the legs, or pain in the abdomen
• Fatigue that goes beyond what you’re used to

The Bottom Line

TLDR: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and with the right steps, you can significantly lower your risk.

“HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer, especially two strains, HPV16 and HPV18, which account for 90% of cases,” Dr. Kogelnik says. That said, you aren’t guaranteed to get cancer from HPV — Dr. Kogelnik notes that these two strains make up about 70% globally.

So, if you’re currently spiraling over a recent HPV diagnosis, know that this is likely nothing to worry about. Most strains of HPV will go away on their own.

The best way to protect yourself moving ahead is by staying on top of those regular screenings, getting vaccinated, and knowing your facts. By taking these steps, you can spot the signs of cervical cancer before it has a chance to grow.