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Cervical cancer involves changes to the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb), which protrudes into the vagina.The cervix is sometimes called the neck of the womb.
It is rare for women to have any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer early in the disease. When the disease is more advanced women can experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain.
Regular Pap smears are important because more than 90% of the most common form of cervical cancer can be prevented through regular Pap smears (cervical screening).
Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers as the Pap smear can detect changes in cervical cells before cancer develops.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the 13th most common cancer in Queensland women (2007). In 2007, 143 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in Queensland and 36 women died from this disease.
Deaths from cervical cancer have decreased since the commencement of the National Cervical Screening Program. In 1991, at the start of the screening program, the Queensland cervical cancer mortality rate was 4.2 deaths per 100,000 women. In 2007, the mortality rate was 1.6 deaths per 100,000 women.
For further information: Cancer in Queensland Incidence and Mortality 1982-2007.
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