Cervical Cancer
- 1. A. P. John Institute for Cancer Research The A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research was founded in 1978 by Angelo P. John, Sr., a molecular biologist specializing in cancer research.
- 2. Cervical Cancer What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer starts in a woman's cervix, the lower narrow part of the uterus. The uterus holds the growing fetus during pregnancy. The cervix connects the lower part of the uterus to the vagina and, with the vagina, forms the birth canal. Cervical cancer is also called "cancer of the cervix." Cervical cancer usually grows very slowly. Over a period of several years, cells on the surface of the cervix change from normal to abnormal. At first, the change is simply abnormal, not cancerous. Researchers believe, however, that some of these abnormal changes mark the first step in a series of slow changes that can lead to cancer.
- 3. Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer Risk Factors What causes, and are there ways to prevent cancer of the cervix? By studying large numbers of women all over the world, researchers have identified certain risk factors that increase the chance that cells in the cervix will become abnormal or cancerous. They believe that, in many cases, cervical cancer develops when two or more risk factors act together. Research has shown that women who began having sexual intercourse before age 18 and women who have had many sexual partners have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Women also are at increased risk if their partners began having sexual intercourse at a young age, have had many sexual partners, or were previously married to women who had cervical cancer.
- 4. Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer, What to Look For Most women with cervical cancer want to learn all they can about their disease and treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their medical care. Doctors and others on the medical team can help women learn what they need to know. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, shock and stress are natural reactions. These feelings may make it difficult for patients to think of everything they want to ask the doctor. Often it helps to make a list of questions. Also, to help remember what the doctor says, patients may take notes or ask whether they can use a tape recorder. Some people also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor, to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.
- 5. Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer Tests • • • • • Pap smear Colposcopy Biopsy Pelvic Exam Endocervical Curettage
- 6. Cervical Cancer The following tests and procedures may be used in the staging process: • • • • • • Chest X-Ray CT Scan (CAT Scan) Lymphangiogram Pretreatment Surgical Staging Ultrasound MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- 7. Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer Treatment • • • Surgery Radiation therapy Chemotherapy
- 8. A. P. John Institute for Cancer Research Cervical Cancer 1-800-625-4190 cu@apjohncancerinstitute.org https://www.apjohncancerinstitute.org/