Cervical cancer is a rapid, uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells on the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Most abnormal cervical cell changes that develop into cancer are caused by infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Vaginal bleeding that isn't normal, such as between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal discharge that isn't normal.

Cervical cancer can be prevented if a woman has regular Pap tests, which almost always detect cervical cell changes before the changes become cancerous.

And the HPV vaccine protects against two types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.