Cervical Cancer

If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, we understand it can be a challenging and emotional experience. At Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, we are here to lift you up, provide guidance and help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. Together, we’ll find the right treatment for your cancer — and for you.

We will create a personalized care plan that helps address your individual needs. Your care plan will include advanced treatments and services, such as nutritional advice, physical rehabilitation and pain management to address your whole journey as a patient.

Miami Cancer Institute’s gynecologic cancer specialists combine medical expertise and compassionate care. Our world-class specialists have access to state-of-the-art technologies and weekly tumor board meetings. There, our gynecologic experts can collaborate on treatment plans to give you the best path forward.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a slow-growing cancer that occurs when cancer cells form in the cervix. The cervix is the narrow end of the uterus that leads into the vagina.

Symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Heavier periods
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain
• Period that lasts longer than usual
• Vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause
• Vaginal discharge that is heavy, bloody, watery and smells bad

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer that hasn’t spread is 91 percent. For cancer that has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 60 percent.

Types of Cervical Cancer

The three main types of cervical cancer are:

• Squamous cell carcinoma — The most common type of cervical cancer typically forms on the outer part of the cervix, closest to the uterus.

   

• Adenocarcinoma — This cancer starts in the mucus-producing gland cells that line the inner part of the cervix closest to the uterus (endocervix).

   

• Adenosquamous carcinoma — The rarest form of cervical cancer, it has both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cell types.

   

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

The most common risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). In fact, more than 90 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection.

You can contract HPV by coming in contact with the mouth, genitals or anus of an infected person. Unfortunately, other than genital warts, there is no way of knowing whether a sexual partner has HPV.

Other risk factors for developing cervical cancer include the following:

• Smoking
• Being exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• Using oral contraceptives for a long time
• Being infected with HIV
• Giving birth to many children (three or more)
• Having many sexual partners
• Having sex at an early age

Preventing Cervical Cancer

There is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer. However, because most cervical cancers are caused by infection with HPV, you can reduce your risk for cervical cancer by using protection (such as a condom) during sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have. Condoms cannot provide complete protection against HPV, but they can significantly lower your risk of infection.

You can also lower your risk with the HPV vaccine. This vaccine targets the types of HPV that cause roughly 70 percent of cervical cancers. It is not meant for women who are already infected with HPV. Ask your physician about the vaccine and whether it’s safe for you to receive.

If you smoke, quitting may also reduce your risk for cervical cancer.