Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer found in women, the most common being breast cancer.

Signs/Symptoms
This usually presents with inter-menstral bleeding, post-coital bleeding, or post-menopausal bleeding. If you have any of these symptoms you must be seen and examined by a doctor. There are many other causes of these symptoms but it is best not to ignore them incase there is something seriously wrong. In more advanced cancer there may be Pelvic pain, back pain, pain while passing urine/Stools or having Sex. These last symptoms can be found as the result of other non-cancerous conditions, so don’t jump to the worst conclusion, if you are experiencing these pains make an appointment to get checked over. 

Contributory factors
There is evidence to suggest that the earlier Penetrative sexual activity starts the greater the risk of developing Cervical cancer. The more sexual partners, the greater the risk.   Smoking doubles the risk of developing cervical cancer. HIV infection, the development of AIDS and previous infection with Genital warts can also increase the risk.

Preventative action
The early signs of cervical cancer can be detected with a Cervical smear test, and the cancer can then be completely eliminated. The most important thing to do is to speak with your doctor about the necessity of arranging regular cervical smear testing, and ALWAYS keep your appointments. 25% of women who develop cervical cancer die - there is no need for this to happen to you.

It is recommended that cervical smears are carried out from age 20 and should be carried out at 3 yearly intervals thereafter, until the age of 60.

By practicing Safer sex to prevent Infections which increase your risk as well as affecting your health in other ways. An explanation of safer sex is to be found in more detail in this site under What is Sexual Health. If you smoke, it will help if you stop or reduce the activity. This will improve your health.