Introduction
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus, which connects the uterus to the vagina, and is part of the woman's reproductive system. Cancer of the cervix is called cervical cancer. This type of cancer is usually slow-growing, and can take up to 10 years to develop. Cervical cancer is therefore often preventable by regular screening. This is most often done in the form of a Pap smear, which tests the cells lining the cervix for abnormalities. Over the past decades the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year has been declining, which is thought to be mainly due to the success of campaigns that have raised awareness about the benefits of having regular Pap smears.
Cervical cancer is usually treated by a combination of surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. There are many side effects associated with these treatments, such as fatigue, pain, hair loss, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, but researchers are continuing to study cervical cancer to find out more about how it develops, and are looking at better ways to treat it.