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The cervix is a hidden part of the female anatomy, yet plays a crucial role in a woman's health. This body member produces cervical mucous in the glands of the cervical canal that continually clean and lubricate the vagina, preventing harmful bacteria from entering the uterus. Without such a barricade, infection of the uterus would be much more common. Until as of late, cervical cancer has been an underestimated and unrecognized threat to women's health. The National Cancer Institute identified 11,150 new cases of the cancer in 2007, as well as 3,670 deaths, in the United States alone. Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women in third world nations, where medical attention and annual tests are not as available, making it a major cause of death internationally. Simple preventative measures can be taken by an individual to remain cervical cancer-free.

Cervical Cancer Causes

Cervical cancer often has a slow onset. The beginnings of this cancer are found in precancerous cells on the cervical lining. Abnormal changes begin to develop in these cells, but often do not cause pain or recognizable symptoms in the earliest stages. Eventually, if undetected, these cells can multiply rapidly into cervical cancer. Often precancerous cervical cells do not turn into cancer and can be voided naturally by the body; however effective, assured treatment is in the removal of these cells before they have the chance to progress. Women should have annual Pap tests which allow for early diagnosis and treatment of these cells.

Risk Factors for Precancerous Cells and Cervical Cancer Onset

HPVs: Significant catalysts for the cancer are the Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs). These viruses are able to cause cervical infection, such as with Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, and are commonly passed between individuals during sexual contact; twenty million people are infected with the viruses each year in the United States. Though many women contract an HPV at some point in their lives, sometimes these HPVs can accelerate abnormal precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix. Warts can also develop. An HPV vaccine has been recently developed, known as Gardasil, and can prevent most cervical cancers caused from HPV to develop, though the vaccine is not guaranteed against all types of cervical cancers and other medical screenings should be warranted. The vaccine should be given before a woman is sexually active, able to be administered to girls as young as age nine up to twenty-six year old

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