Cervix / Uterus
Cancer
The incidence of cervix cancer has been reduced by screening due to the national screening program which started in 1991. It offers free Pap smear tests every 2 years.
Since the end of 2017 the Pap smear test has been replaced with a HPV test, this can extend screening times out to every 5 years if HPV negative.
In countries where screening and treatment of precancerous changes are not available, cervix cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.
What are the Causes of Cervix Cancer?
Cervix cancer is caused when normal cervical cells undergo change. These cells grow in an abnormal manner and at an uncontrolled rate.
The most common cause of cervix cancer is a virus, called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a virus that many women have been exposed to during their lifetime. The virus infection is cleared up in most women, however some women have persistent infection that may lead to the development of cervix cancer.
It takes many years between the infection and the development of cervix cancer. Because it takes many years before precancerous changes become cancer, and it is possible to detect these changes by screening (e.g. Pap smears), this gives the opportunity of treatment to prevent cancer developing.
The cervix cancer vaccine, given before the woman is sexually active, will reduce her risk of getting cervix cancer. The vaccine is currently given at the age of 12. It is still important to have screening, for example Pap smears and HPV testing as the vaccine reduces the risk of developing cervix cancer but does not eliminate the risk. The vaccine is also given to boys as it helps prevent other HPV related cancers.
What are the Treatments for Cervix Cancer?
Cervix cancer is caused when normal cervical cells undergo change. These cells grow in an abnormal manner and at an uncontrolled rate.
The most common cause of cervix cancer is a virus, called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a virus that many women have been exposed to during their lifetime. The virus infection is cleared up in most women, however some women have persistent infection that may lead to the development of cervix cancer.
It takes many years between the infection and the development of cervix cancer. Because it takes many years before precancerous changes become cancer, and it is possible to detect these changes by screening (e.g. Pap smears), this gives the opportunity of treatment to prevent cancer developing.
The cervix cancer vaccine, given before the woman is sexually active, will reduce her risk of getting cervix cancer. The vaccine is currently given at the age of 12. It is still important to have screening, for example Pap smears and HPV testing as the vaccine reduces the risk of developing cervix cancer but does not eliminate the risk. The vaccine is also given to boys as it helps prevent other HPV related cancers.
How Effective is Radiation Therapy for Cervix Cancer?
Cervix cancer is caused when normal cervical cells undergo change. These cells grow in an abnormal manner and at an uncontrolled rate.
The most common cause of cervix cancer is a virus, called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a virus that many women have been exposed to during their lifetime. The virus infection is cleared up in most women, however some women have persistent infection that may lead to the development of cervix cancer.
It takes many years between the infection and the development of cervix cancer. Because it takes many years before precancerous changes become cancer, and it is possible to detect these changes by screening (e.g. Pap smears), this gives the opportunity of treatment to prevent cancer developing.
The cervix cancer vaccine, given before the woman is sexually active, will reduce her risk of getting cervix cancer. The vaccine is currently given at the age of 12. It is still important to have screening, for example Pap smears and HPV testing as the vaccine reduces the risk of developing cervix cancer but does not eliminate the risk. The vaccine is also given to boys as it helps prevent other HPV related cancers.
What are the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?
Cervix cancer is caused when normal cervical cells undergo change. These cells grow in an abnormal manner and at an uncontrolled rate.
The most common cause of cervix cancer is a virus, called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a virus that many women have been exposed to during their lifetime. The virus infection is cleared up in most women, however some women have persistent infection that may lead to the development of cervix cancer.
It takes many years between the infection and the development of cervix cancer. Because it takes many years before precancerous changes become cancer, and it is possible to detect these changes by screening (e.g. Pap smears), this gives the opportunity of treatment to prevent cancer developing.
The cervix cancer vaccine, given before the woman is sexually active, will reduce her risk of getting cervix cancer. The vaccine is currently given at the age of 12. It is still important to have screening, for example Pap smears and HPV testing as the vaccine reduces the risk of developing cervix cancer but does not eliminate the risk. The vaccine is also given to boys as it helps prevent other HPV related cancers.
Radiation Oncologist
The best person to talk to is a radiation oncologist. You can ask your doctor for a referral to find out if radiation treatment is right for you.
GPs and Health Professionals
Information for any health professional involved in a patient's cancer care with a particular focus on primary care providers.
Talking to Your Doctor
Your GP or other doctors in the cancer team can organise a referral to a radiation oncologist.
Treatment Centres
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