Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cervical Cancer?
A gynecologic oncologist treats cervical cancer. This is a doctor who treats cancers of the female reproductive system. A primary care doctor or ob/gyn handles screening and follow-up tests. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with high-risk types of HPV. HPV is a very common virus spread by sexual contact. Most infections go away on their own within a year or two. When a high-risk HPV infection lasts for years, it can lead to changes in the cervical cells. If it is not found and removed, it may eventually develop into cervical cancer.
Symptoms
Early on, cervical cancer usually does not cause symptoms, which makes it hard to detect. Symptoms usually begin after the cancer has spread. When symptoms of early-stage cancer do occur, they may include:
- Vaginal bleeding after sex, after menopause, or between periods, or periods that are heavier or longer than normal.
- Vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor, or that contains blood.
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex.
Advanced cancer may also cause bowel or bladder problems, blood in the urine, a dull backache, swollen legs, and belly pain. Other conditions can cause these signs, so see a health professional to find out. Ignoring symptoms can delay treatment and make it less effective.
This is why regular screening matters. It can find abnormal cell changes and precancers that can be treated before they turn into cancer.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is a long-lasting infection with a high-risk HPV type. HPV 16 and HPV 18 cause 70 percent of cervical cancers worldwide.
Some factors make it more likely that an HPV infection will lead to cancer. They include:
- A weakened immune system, such as from HIV infection or medicines that suppress the immune response.
- Smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke.
- Use of birth control pills. Giving birth to many children.
- Becoming sexually active before age 18, or having multiple sexual partners.
How doctors diagnose it
Two screening tests are widely used. They are the HPV test and the Pap test (also called a Pap smear). These tests can find high-risk HPV and cell changes that can be treated before they turn into cancer. Doctors recommend regular screening starting in your 20s. If a result is abnormal, your doctor will recommend timely follow-up tests to find out whether cancer is present.
Treatment
You and your cancer care team will decide on a treatment plan together. The plan depends on the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your preferences.
Surgery is sometimes used. The type depends on where the cancer is. A hysterectomy removes the uterus, and for cervical cancer it removes the cervix too. A radical trachelectomy removes the cervix and nearby tissue. With it, pregnancy may still be possible.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. External radiation and internal radiation (brachytherapy) are both used for this cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop cancer cells from growing. It may be given alone or with other treatments. Targeted therapy drugs, such as bevacizumab, block molecules involved in cancer growth. Immunotherapy, such as pembrolizumab, helps the immune system fight the cancer. If fertility worries you, talk with your cancer care team before treatment begins.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor soon for vaginal bleeding that is not normal for you, or for unusual discharge. Follow your doctor's schedule for screening tests, and go to every follow-up visit after an abnormal result. After a cervical cancer diagnosis, watch for signs that the cancer has come back. Also tell your doctor about pain in the abdomen, back, or leg, swelling in a leg, trouble urinating, or a change in bowel movements. Call 911 or go to the emergency room for bleeding that will not stop, or for fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can keep you on a screening schedule. They can discuss HPV vaccination. They can also coordinate follow-up care with specialists.
Common questions
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Mostly, yes. Cervical cancer is highly preventable and highly curable if caught early. Nearly all cervical cancers could be prevented by HPV vaccination, routine screening, and follow-up treatment when needed.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
Gardasil 9 is the FDA-approved HPV vaccine in the U.S. for people aged 9 to 45. CDC recommends routine vaccination at age 11 or 12, and it can be given starting at age 9. It is recommended up to age 26. Some adults aged 27 to 45 may decide to get it after talking with their doctor. The vaccine works best before a person becomes sexually active, and it does not treat an existing HPV infection.
How often should I be screened?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a Pap test every 3 years from age 21 to 29. From age 30 to 65, it recommends an HPV test every 5 years. Other choices are an HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years. Vaccinated people still need screening, because the vaccine does not protect against all high-risk HPV types.
Do condoms protect against HPV?
They help. Condoms can lower the risk of HPV, but they do not completely prevent it.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - Cervical Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
- National Cancer Institute - Cervical Cancer Symptoms
- National Cancer Institute - Cervical Cancer Treatment
- National Cancer Institute - Cervical Cancer Screening
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
