January 8, 2026 Author : João Casanova (obstetrics-gynecology) Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2022, approximately 660 thousand new cases were diagnosed; Approximately 350 thousand women died from this disease. However, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer do not have a homogeneous distribution around the world. Women living in less developed countries and conflict zones are primarily affected by cervical cancer, because: Cervical cancer screening programs and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) are not in place, or they do not comply with it; Access to adequate healthcare when the disease is diagnosed is difficult. In Europe, cervical cancer currently ranks 13 th , with endometrial cancer occupying fourth place. According to the World Health Organization, to eliminate cervical cancer in the 21 st century, all countries in the world must have an incidence of less than 4 cases per 100 thousand women, which requires that by 2030: 90% of girls are vaccinated against HPV before the age of 15; 70% of women are screened between the ages of 35 and 45; 90% of women with pre-malignant lesions and 90% of women with invasive cancer are treated and controlled. Types of cervical cancer The cervix is the area that makes the transition between the cavity or body of the uterus and the vagina. It mainly has two types of cells: Glandular cells, which are most important at the opening of the cervix into the uterus body; Squamous cells, which are most important at the opening of the cervix into the vagina. There are two main types of cervical cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma , which accounts for about 90% of cases and originates in squamous cells; Adenocarcinoma , which originates in glandular cells. Causes and risk factors Almost all cervical cancers are due to HPV infection . This virus is responsible for the most frequent sexually transmitted infection, and it is estimated that about 90% of unvaccinated and sexually active women and men will be infected with HPV during their lifetime. The 35-64 age group is the one in which the highest number of cases are recorded. However, cervical cancer can affect women of any age, being rarer in those under 20 years. Other risk factors for cervical cancer include, for example : Not being vaccinated against HPV at the recommended ages; Not complying with cervical cancer screenings; Unprotected sex; Multiple sexual partners; Occurrence of sexually transmitted infections in addition to HPV; Weakened immune system; Higher number of births; Young age at the start of sexual activity and at first childbirth; Use of hormonal contraception; Tobacco use. Symptoms and treatment It is common for people infected with HPV to have no symptoms for many years. Cervical cancer and other forms of cancer caused by carcinogenic HPV strains may develop only 15-20 years after infection. In the early stages of the disease, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms . Those that may be related to this disease (but also to others) and that should always lead to seeking medical attention are : Vaginal bleeding outside of the menstrual period in women of childbearing age, in women after menopause, or after sexual intercourse; Increased vaginal discharge or changes in its appearance or odor; Pain or discomfort in the vagina, abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs; Weight loss, fatigue, lack of appetite without an explainable cause. When diagnosed early, cervical cancer is almost always curable. Treatment generally includes surgery , sometimes with removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). Depending on the stage of the disease, its spread to other organs and tissues, the type of tumor, and the particularities of each woman, other treatment modalities may be necessary, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy. Prevention of cervical cancer Cervical cancer can be prevented: Vaccination of girls and boys against HPV before the onset of sexual activity is the basis of prevention. In Portugal, HPV vaccination is part of the national vaccination program . Reducing exposure to the virus by avoiding risky behaviors is important : Using condoms during sexual intercourse; Not having multiple sexual partners and avoiding early sexual activity. Cervical cancer is curable when detected in its early stages: Performing screening at the recommended ages throughout a woman's life allows for the identification of infections (through the HPV test), altered cells (through the Pap smear test), and pre-malignant lesions. Sources European Cancer Information System. Cancer Factsheets in EU-27 countries – 2022 . World Health Organization. Cervical cancer . Meet the obstetrics-gynecology clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
