Cervical Cancer

There are two main types of cervical cancer.

• The most common is squamous cell carcinoma. This develops from a type of cell that covers the outside of the cervix, at the top of the vagina.
• The other type is adenocarcinoma. This develops from a different type of cell found in the cervical canal (the endocervix).

Very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. It is usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests (this includes a smear test).

Common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• heavier periods than you normally have
• vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• unpleasant smelling discharge from the vagina
• pain or discomfort during sex
• urine infections that keep coming back
• pain in the lower tummy or back.