Cervical Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages of cervical cancer there are often no symptoms. This is why getting regular cervical cancer screening is so important.

Symptoms of later stage cervical cancer can include:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge (more than usual)
  • Bleeding after sex, between periods or after a pelvic exam
  • Pain during sex or urination (peeing)

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider. These symptoms may be caused by something else, but the only way to know for sure is to see your health care provider.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer, but some people are at higher risk because of factors such as:

  • Having Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
    HPV causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Anyone who is sexually active can have HPV.
    Many people will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives. HPV often goes away on its own, but if it does not, it could cause cervical cancer.
  • Not Getting Screened
    Cervical cancer is most often found in people with a cervix who have not been screened with the Pap (Papanicolaou) test or the HPV test in more than five years, or who have never been screened at all. People with a cervix who have been screened but do not follow up with their health care provider when results are abnormal are also more likely to develop cervical cancer.
  • Smoking
    People with a cervix who smoke are about two times more likely to get cervical cancer, compared to those who do not smoke. Research shows cigarettes may damage the cells of the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer. Smoking also weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off HPV infections.
  • Aging
    People with a cervix over the age of 30 are more likely to get cervical cancer.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

  • Having been treated before for cervical cancer or for abnormal cells (dysplasia) that may become cancer
  • Using birth control pills for five years or longer
  • Giving birth three or more times
  • Having multiple sexual partners
  • Having HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off infections
  • Having a mother who took DES (diethylstilbestrol) while pregnant with you

Preventing Cervical Cancer

As many as 93% of cervical cancers could be prevented by screening and HPV vaccination.

  • Get Screened

    The most important action you can take to prevent cervical cancer is to have regular screenings. Regular screenings can find abnormal cells on the cervix that can become cancer if they are not removed. Regular screenings increase the chance of stopping cervical cancer before it starts or finding it early when treatment may be easier and more effective.

    If you are age 21 to 65, you should get screened for cervical cancer.

    If you don't have health insurance and need cervical cancer screening, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or visit the Cancer Services Program website.

    Get Vaccinated

    Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

    The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. It is recommended for everyone starting at age nine.

    The HPV vaccine also helps to prevent vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers.

For more information about the HPV vaccine, including who should get it and when, visit: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine.

Lowering Risk for Cervical Cancer

  • Do not smoke. If you currently smoke, quit. Avoid exposure to second hand smoke. For more information on quitting smoking, visit the NYS Quitline or call 1-866-NY-QUITS.
  • Use condoms. More information about condoms can be found here.