for Veterans and the Public

Cervical cancer (for women)

Cervical cancer usually is caused by the same virus that causes anal and genital warts. The virus is called human papilloma virus (HPV). Using condoms consistently may help reduce the risk of this infection.

In the early stage, there usually are no symptoms. Some women, however, may notice bleeding between their periods or spots of blood after sex. Women should get regular exams and Pap tests to check for cervical cancer and precursors to cancer.