Family Planning

Cervical CancerWhat Is Cervical Cancer?Cervical cancer results from uncontrolled, untreated growth ofabnormal cells in the cervix. A sexually transmitted infection, thehuman papillomavirus (HPV), causes such cells to develop and grow.HPV is found on skin in the genital area, in semen, and also in thetissues of the vagina, cervix, and mouth. It is primarily transmittedthrough skin-to-skin contact. Vaginal, anal, and oral sex also canspread HPV. Over 50 types of HPV can infect the cervix; 6 of themaccount for nearly all cervical cancers. Other types of HPV causegenital warts.An estimated 50% to 80% of sexually active women are infectedwith HPV at least once in their lives. In most cases, the HPVinfection clears on its own. In some women, however, HPV persistsand causes precancerous growths, which can develop into cancer.Overall, less than 5% of all women with persistent HPV infection getcervical cancer.Cancer of the cervix usually takes 10 to 20 years to develop, and sothere is a long period of opportunity to detect and treat changes andprecancerous growths before they become cancer. This is the goal ofcervical cancer screening.Who Is at Greatest Risk?Some factors make women more likely to be infected by HPV. Othershelp HPV infection progress to cervical cancer more quickly. Awoman with any of these characteristics would benefit especiallyfrom screening:óóóóóóóóStarted having sex before age 18Has many sexual partners now or over the yearsHas a sexual partner who has or has had many other sexualpartnersHad many births (the more births, the greater the risk)Has a weak immune system (includes women with HIV/AIDS)Smokes cigarettesBurns wood indoors (as for cooking)Has had other sexually transmitted infectionsó Has used combined oral contraceptives for more than 5 years284 Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers