Cervix is the neck of the uterus (womb)

Serves as a canal between the uterus and vagina

Second most common type of gynecological cancer in North American women

One of the easiest to prevent, recognize and cure in its early stages because it can be spotted in regular physical examinations using the Pap smear test

Carcinoma in situ is a pre-malignant lesion on the cervix that has a cure rate of 100%

Stage 1 cancers, the cure rate is 80% to 90%

Most cervical cancer originates from the surface tissue of the cervix and then spreads to involve the entire cervix. May metastasize to pelvic sidewall lymph nodes, into the vagina, uterus and ovaries, to nearby areas of the pelvis such as the rectum and bladder, with distant metastases to the liver, lungs and bones. May spread by the lymph system or veins, but more commonly the lymph system

Invasive cancer of the cervix is uncommon in our province because most cases are detected in the pre-invasive stage. Some cases do appear and many of these are patients who have never had a Pap smear, or not had one for many years. A few appear despite having been screened.