Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus with the vagina.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case, epithelial cervix cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.
EmpowHER links:
Cervical Cancer, General information page
HERArticles—
“Globally, Cervical Cancer Still A Killer,” Lynette Summerill, Jan 4, 2010
“New PAP Test Guidelines say ‘Wait Until Age 21,’” Lynette Summerill, Nov 24, 2009
“Two Doctors Explain Their Support of the Gardasil Vaccine,” Dec 8, 2009
“The Facts on Gardasil: A Vaccine for Human Papilloma Virus,” Mar 25, 2009
Videos—
VIDEO: Dr. Lawrence Talks About Cervical Cancer, Feb 20, 2008
VIDEO: Dr. Lawrence – How Are Women Being Saved From Cervical Cancer? Feb 20, 2008
VIDEO: Dr. Lawrence – What Test Detects Cervical Cancer? Feb 20, 2008
VIDEO: Dr. Lawrence Explains the Human Papillomaviruses (HPV), Feb 20, 2008
VIDEO: Dr. Lawrence -- Why Is the Human Papillomavirus/HPV Vaccine Controversial? Feb 20, 2008
New Information:
“Early Sexual Encounters Linked to Increased Risk of Cervical Cancer Among Deprived Women, UK,” Medical News Today, Jan 01, 2010
“Papillomavirus Silences Innate Immune Response,” Medical News Today, Dec 04, 2009
A new type of vaccine to treat HPV infection--unlike Gardasil that is designed for prevention of HPV disease:
“HPV Vaccine Clears Viral Infection and May Reduce Cancerous Lesions,” Medical News Today, Nov 11, 2009
Background Information:
Details about January as Cervical Health Awareness Month from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition
“Take the Pearl Pledge” Campaign, PR Newswire, Jan 06, 2010