Cervical cancer is a malignant change in the tissue of the cervix. The cervix is located in the lower part of the uterus. In technical terms, the cancer is also known as cervical carcinoma.
Cervical cancer has nothing to do with uterine cancer (uterine body cancer) and should not be confused with it!
Statistically speaking, women between the ages of 40 and 59 are particularly frequently affected by cervical cancer. Many women are even younger when they are diagnosed.
In the early stages, cervical cancer often goes unnoticed. As the disease progresses, it can lead to, among other things
- Spotting,
- pain or
- discharge
may occur.

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
In most cases, the cause of cervical cancer is an infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV). Some of these virus types are particularly aggressive and trigger tissue changes that lead to this type of cancer.
HP viruses are transmitted during sexual intercourse. Normally, the immune system can fight them successfully. However, some viruses can sometimes remain in the lining of the uterus. They can then cause tissue changes over time.
To put it simply, cervical cancer is the direct result of an infection. There is a protective vaccination against this infection, the so-called HPV vaccination. It must be given before the first sexual intercourse.
In most cases , cervical cancer does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. The woman affected therefore does not notice the underlying infection.
As the disease progresses, these symptoms may occur, for example
- Intermenstrual bleeding outside the normal cycle,
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse,
- a strong-smelling discharge,
- pain during sexual intercourse and in the pelvic area.
Other symptoms do not necessarily have to occur directly in the lower abdomen. Uterine cancer can also manifest itself through
- Back pain,
- weight loss,
- swelling or
- urinary tract infections
can also manifest itself.
As there are no signs of this disease for a long time, early screening is advisable from the age of 20. From this age, health insurance companies pay for an annual screening.
These examinations are also necessary for women who have been vaccinated against the HPV virus. The vaccination cannot guarantee 100% protection.
During the examination, the doctor examines the cervix and takes a swab from the cervical canal. These smears are then examined more closely using the so-called PAP test. The laboratory looks for cell changes that may indicate a possible disease.
The further examination interval depends on the type of change. A colonoscopy or biopsy may also be used as part of the examination.
The type and method of treatment depends on the stage of the disease.
Pre-stages can be completely removed with conization. In very early forms of invasive disease, conization may also be sufficient.
It is often necessary to remove the uterus in the case of more advanced cervical cancer. This requires a radical hysterectomy, i.e. the surgeons also remove the entire supporting apparatus of the uterus. The lymph nodes in the small pelvis and along the abdominal aorta can also be affected by cancer cells and are also removed.
After the operation, the doctors decide whether radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy is necessary.
If the tumor cannot be removed surgically, the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be the only treatment.
In the early stages, the chances of curing cervical cancer are very good. This applies to both the preliminary stages and the early stages of cancer.
However, if the tumors grow or spread to other areas of the body, the chances of a cure decrease.
Preventing cervical cancer means preventing the HPV infection that precedes it.
Girls should definitely have the HPV vaccination. The vaccination does not provide 100% protection, but it significantly reduces the risk of infection. As HP viruses are transmitted through sexual intercourse, the vaccination should be given early enough.
Practicing safer sex can also help. Although condoms cannot eliminate all dangers of virus transmission, they do reduce the risk.
Otherwise, you should always take advantage of annual cancer screening examinations, even at a young age. In this way, any risks can be detected and treated at an early stage.