Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Screening, Treatment & Prevention

TL;DR

Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) and is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide, and the 2nd most common among Indian women (WHO). The good news is that it is largely preventable. Almost all cases are linked to long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV (a common virus spread through sexual contact), especially types 16 and 18. Early cervical cancer often has NO symptoms, which is why regular screening (Pap and HPV tests) is vital to catch changes early. It can be treated with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and outcomes are much better when caught early. The two most powerful prevention tools are the HPV vaccine (ideally at ages 9 to 14) and regular screening, even if you are vaccinated.

Quick Answer

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix and is one of the most common cancers in women, especially in India. It is nearly always caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV types spread through sexual contact. Early stages usually cause no symptoms, so screening with Pap and HPV tests is essential. Warning signs of advanced disease include bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, and foul-smelling watery discharge. Treatment is surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy depending on the stage. Cervical cancer is largely preventable through the HPV vaccine (best given at ages 9 to 14) and regular screening, so both are strongly recommended.

Author: Mylo Editorial Team, Mylo Parenting Desk Medically reviewed by: Mylo Editorial Board, aligned with WHO, ACOG and FOGSI guidance Last updated: 8 July 2026

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, screening or treatment. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain, see a gynaecologist. Follow your doctor's advice on HPV vaccination and cervical screening schedules.

Key Takeaways

• Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide, 2nd most common in Indian women (WHO)
• Almost all cases are caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk HPV (especially types 16 and 18)
• Early cervical cancer usually has NO symptoms, so screening is essential
• Warning signs: bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause; foul-smelling discharge
• Screening tools are the Pap test and HPV test, starting around age 21 to 30 per guidelines
• Treatment: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination, based on stage
• The HPV vaccine (ideally ages 9 to 14) is a powerful prevention tool
• Continue regular screening even after vaccination, as the vaccine does not cover every HPV type

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. When this begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, it is called cervical cancer.

It is the 4th most common cancer among women worldwide, and importantly for Indian readers, it is the 2nd most common cancer among women in India (WHO). While women of all ages can be affected, it most often develops in women over 30. The encouraging part is that, unlike many cancers, cervical cancer is largely preventable and often curable when caught early.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The single biggest cause is persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV. Other factors increase risk by making HPV infection more likely or longer-lasting.

Remember, having HPV is very common and does not mean you will get cancer, in most people the body clears it. It is persistent, long-term infection with high-risk types that raises the danger.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Early cervical cancer usually causes no symptoms, which is exactly why screening matters. More advanced disease can cause:

• Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• Watery, bloody, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain, or pain during sex

If you notice any of these, see a gynaecologist promptly, they are not always cancer, but they always need checking.

How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

Screening can find precancerous changes before they ever become cancer:

• Pap test (Pap smear): checks for abnormal cervical cells, generally started around age 21
• HPV test: checks for high-risk HPV, often used from around age 30, sometimes together with the Pap test

If a screening test is abnormal or cancer is suspected, the doctor takes a biopsy (a small sample of cervical cells) for lab testing. If cancer is confirmed, further tests such as MRI, CT, PET or X-ray help determine the stage and guide treatment.

How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the stage, your general health, and your wishes (including future pregnancy). The main options are:

Radiation and chemotherapy can affect fertility and bring on early menopause, so discuss fertility preservation with your doctor before treatment if this matters to you. Caught early, cervical cancer is often very treatable.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The two most powerful steps are vaccination and screening.

• Get the HPV vaccine: it protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. It works best when given before any exposure to HPV, so the ideal age is 9 to 14, though older girls and women can also benefit, ask your doctor
• Go for regular screening: keep up with Pap and HPV tests as your doctor advises, even if you are vaccinated, since the vaccine does not cover every HPV type
• Practise safer sex: using protection lowers HPV and STI risk (though it does not fully eliminate HPV, which spreads by skin contact)
• Do not smoke: quitting helps your body clear HPV and lowers your risk
• Know your risk: talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and the right screening plan for you

Indian Context

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, and India carries a large share of the world's cases and deaths, largely because screening and vaccination are still not widespread. The good news: India now has its own affordable HPV vaccine, CERVAVAC, and the government is promoting HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 (Serum Institute of India). If you have daughters in this age group, ask your paediatrician about the vaccine. For adult women, do not skip cervical screening, many Indian women are diagnosed late simply because they were never screened. Early detection saves lives.

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

HPV vaccine kis umar mein lagwana sabse accha hai? (Hinglish)

HPV vaccine sabse zyada faydemand tab hota hai jab kisi bhi HPV exposure se pehle lagaya jaye, isliye best umar 9 se 14 saal hai. Bade umar ki ladkiyan aur mahilaayein bhi laabh le sakti hain, doctor se salah lein. India mein ab apni sasti vaccine CERVAVAC bhi available hai.

Kya cervical cancer ke koi early symptoms hote hain? (Hinglish)

Shuruaati stage mein cervical cancer ke aksar koi symptoms nahin hote, isliye screening (Pap aur HPV test) bahut zaroori hai. Advanced stage mein periods ke beech, sex ke baad ya menopause ke baad bleeding, aur badboodaar discharge ho sakta hai. Aise lakshan dikhein to turant gynaecologist se milein.

At what age should I start cervical cancer screening?

Pap testing generally starts around age 21, and HPV testing is often used from around age 30, sometimes together. Follow your doctor's advice, as exact schedules vary by guideline and your history.

Do I still need screening if I have had the HPV vaccine?

Yes. The vaccine prevents most, but not all, HPV types that cause cervical cancer, and it does not treat existing infections. Regular screening is still essential.

Is cervical cancer curable?

When caught early, cervical cancer is often very treatable and can be cured. This is why screening (to catch it early) and vaccination (to prevent it) are so important.

References

1. World Health Organization. Cervical cancer. www.who.int
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HPV Vaccination. www.cdc.gov
3. Serum Institute of India. CERVAVAC (Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine). www.seruminstitute.com