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On this page, you’ll find information about cervical cancer, including screening, symptoms, causes and treatments.

Topics on this page

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix (the entrance to the uterus). This cancer is usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Learn more about HPV on the Cancer Council website.

Cervical cancer can start in the squamous or glandular cells. Some cervical cancers have both squamous and glandular cells. Cancer in the squamous cells is the most common type of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is more common in people over 30, although it can occur at any age.

Diagram showing the uterus, ovaries, cervix and vagina
Picture of the female reproductive organs

Can you screen for cervical cancer?

Yes, you can. It’s important to have regular cervical screening tests to check for the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular screening prevents 9 out of 10 cervical cancers.

HPV vaccine

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect the surface of the cervix, vagina and vulva.

The best time to get immunised against HPV is before you become sexually active. Under the National Immunisation Program, a free HPV vaccine is given to people aged 12 to 13 at school.

For more information about the HPV vaccine, see your doctor or visit the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website.

If you have been vaccinated for HPV, it’s still important to get regular cervical screening tests. While the HPV vaccine is highly effective, it doesn’t prevent all HPV infections.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

You might not have any symptoms of cervical cancer, especially in the early stages. But symptoms can include:

  • periods that are longer or heavier than usual
  • bleeding between periods
  • bleeding after sex
  • bleeding after menopause
  • painful sex
  • unusual vaginal discharge
  • pelvic pain.

Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include:

  • feeling very tired
  • leg pain or swelling
  • lower back pain.

Talk to your doctor if you are worried about any of these symptoms. They may not be due to cancer, but it’s important to check.

Causes of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect the surface of the cervix, vagina and vulva.

About 80% of women will have the virus at some point in their lives, but many don’t know they've been exposed to the infection.

Most women with the infection don’t develop cervical cancer. Only certain types of HPV cause cancer.

Cervical cancer usually develops many years after the HPV infection occurs.

Can you reduce the risk of cervical cancer?

You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by:

  • not smoking
  • having regular cervical screening tests
  • having the HPV vaccine

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

A cervical screening test will check for the human papillomavirus (HPV). If HPV is not detected, you can wait 5 years until your next test.

If you have an abnormal test result, you may need further tests, such as a second cervical screening test or a colposcopy. A colposcopy is when an instrument is used to look closely at your cervix and check for abnormal cells. During the procedure, tissue samples are taken for testing.

If abnormal or cancerous cells are detected, your doctor will refer you to a cancer specialist for treatment.

Treatments for cervical cancer

If precancerous cells are detected, your doctor may recommend:

  • laser therapy – to remove abnormal cells and tissue (performed under local anaesthetic)
  • loop excision – to remove abnormal cells from the surface of the cervix (performed under local or general anaesthetic)
  • cone biopsy – to remove a larger area of the cervix (performed under general anaesthetic).

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, your doctor may recommend:

  • surgery
  • radiotherapy
  • chemotherapy
  • palliative treatment.

Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can cause menopause. Learn more about medically induced menopause.

When to see your doctor about cervical screening

See your doctor for regular cervical screening tests. You can also ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine if you haven’t already had it.

It’s important to see your doctor if you notice any symptoms of cervical cancer. As with many cancers, early detection leads to the best treatment outcomes.

Online resources about cervical cancer

More information about cervical cancer can be found on the following websites:

For more information about cervical screening and the HPV vaccine, visit the Cancer Council cervical screening web page.

If you would like to speak to a nurse for general information and support, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday).

This con­tent has been reviewed by a group of med­ical sub­ject mat­ter experts, in accor­dance with Jean Hailes pol­i­cy.

1
RACGP - What’s new in the 10th Ed Red Book. Racgp.org.au. Published 2018.
Last updated: 
07 July 2025
 | 
Last reviewed: 
20 June 2025

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