Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into thevagina. Cervical cancer can often be successfully treated when it's found early. It is usually found at a very early stage through a Pap test. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide.

DIAGNOSIS: A Pap smear can collect abnormal cells that are then identified in a lab. An HPV test may be performed on the sample to check for the virus and to ascertain whether high-risk or low-risk strains are present. A colposcopy is an in-office procedure that allows your doctor to view your cervix with a special magnifying tool. A solution is applied to the surface of your cervix to illuminate any abnormal cells, and your doctor can then take a small piece of tissue called a biopsy. This can be sent to a lab for a more definitive diagnosis.

STATISTICS: The incidence and mortality rates declined during the period of 1988-2002 in China for older women. The younger women showed an increasing trend during the same period, especially for women in rural area.