Cervical cancer is a disease in which the cells of the cervix become abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. The cervix is the lower part or the neck of the uterus (womb). It connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer generally begins as an abnormality in the cells on the outside of the cervix. It is a very slow growing cancer. The change in the cells from normal to pre-cancerous to cancerous is very gradual and may take several years to develop. For this reason, routine screening tests for cervical cancer are very important. When detected early, it is nearly 100% curable.

The cause of cervical cancer is not known. However, certain factors are believed to increase one's risk of developing cervical cancer. Engaging in sexual activity at a young age is one such factor. The cells lining the cervix do not...