Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is preventable with a vaccine, and having a routine PAP test.

Risk factors include:

• Started having sex before age 16 or within a year of starting your period
• Have multiple sexual partners
• Take birth control pills, especially for longer than 5 years
• Smoke cigarettes
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have a sexual transmitted disease (STD)
• Women aged 35 to 44 years.

Symptoms for cervical cancer include pain when you have sex, unusual vaginal bleeding, such as after sex, between periods, after menopause, or after a pelvis exam, unusual vaginal discharge, fatigue, weight loss or decreased appetite.