Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

There are two main types of cervical cancer:

• Squamous cell cancer
• Adenocarcinoma (or glandular cell cancer).

Squamous cell cancer is the most common form of cervical cancer.  It usually arises in the transformation zone of the cervix which is where the vagina meets the cervix.

Adenocarcinoma is found in the glandular cells which line the inside of the cervix.

Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly, taking up to ten or more years to develop.  It starts when some cells on the surface of the cervix become abnormal.  These abnormal cells may return to normal by themselves but in a small number of cases, they may develop into cancer if not treated.

If cancer grows from the surface layer into other tissue, it is known as invasive cervical cancer.  If not treated, the cancer cells will spread to other parts of the body.

It is impossible to tell which abnormal cells will return to normal on their own and which may become cancer.  This is why all abnormal cells must be followed up.

If women have regular smear tests, there is a high chance that any abnormal cells will be found and treated long before they develop into cancer.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

Abnormal cell changes do not cause any symptoms and are picked up only when women have a cervical smear test.  Symptoms do not appear until abnormal cells become cancer.