Understanding Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is one of the most preventable cancers in the world because of the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening with Pap tests and HPV tests. When it is found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable. This guide will help you understand cervical cancer, how it develops, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how to find support throughout your care.

This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on June 16, 2026.

Navigating the Understanding Cervical Cancer Guide: This guide is meant to help you understand cervical cancer, how it forms, how it is treated, and how to cope with a cervical cancer diagnosis. It is meant for people with cervical cancer and their loved ones.

You can choose to read every article in this guide in order or only read the sections that are most important to you. Use this menu to skip around through the guide or use the links at the end of each page to move on to the next section. 

What is Cervical Cancer?

Learn what cervical cancer is and how it starts, including the different types and how the disease can affect the body.

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Learn about the signs and symptoms that people diagnosed with cervical cancer may experience. 

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

Some people may be at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for this cancer. 

Can I Lower My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Screening and Prevention

Learn how the HPV vaccine, regular cervical cancer screening, and other risk-reducing strategies can help prevent cervical cancer or catch it early.

Statistics for Cervical Cancer

Learn more about how many people are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and cervical cancer survival statistics.

How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

Learn more about the tests and procedures that are used to diagnose cervical cancer.

How is Cervical Cancer Staged and Classified?

There are different systems for staging cervical cancer and determining prognosis. This page will help you understand what your cervical cancer stage means. 

How is Cervical Cancer Treated?

cervical cancer is treated using different combinations of therapies. Learn more about surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, plus supportive care to help manage your symptoms.

Joining A Clinical Trial for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is treated using different combinations of therapies. Learn more about surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, plus supportive care to help manage your symptoms.

Coping with Cervical Cancer

A cervical cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and difficult. Find ways to cope with the support of your family, friends, caregivers, and care team.

Questions to Ask About Cervical Cancer

When you go to appointments with your care team, you may not know what to ask. Use this list of questions to help brainstorm what information is most important to you.