The lower part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina is called the cervix. The type of cancer occurring in the cervix is called cervical cancer. It is important to identify the type of this form of cancer as it will help in deciding the course of treatments for cervical cancer.

Additionally, the stage of cervical cancer and the overall health condition of the patient also plays an important role in deciding the type of treatment to be administered. Cervical cancer is mainly of two types – adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that begins in the glandular cells that border the cervical canal. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of cervical cancer. It begins at the squamous cells that line the outer part of the cervix which extends into the vagina.

1. Causes and risk factors
This type of cancer often does not show any symptoms at an early stage. However, as cervical cancer progresses, its symptoms start getting more prominent. Treatments for cervical cancer can get difficult if it reaches an advanced stage. However, knowing the causes and risk factors will help in taking the necessary steps to reduce the risk of the development of this disease.

The various possible causes and risk factors associated with this health condition are as follows:

• Weak immune system
  the immune system can be weakened as a result of various health conditions or Human Papillomavirus or HPV. Women with such a weak immune system are at a high risk of developing this type of cancer.
• Sexually transmitted diseases
  Owing to various sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, HIV or AIDS, Chlamydia, the chances of HPV increases. This can further cause Cervical Cancer.
• Consuming medications for preventing a miscarriage
  Consumption of medications to prevent miscarriages of mothers can put their daughters at a greater risk of developing adenocarcinoma.

2. Can this form of cancer be prevented?
By following certain measures, one can reduce the chances of occurrence of cervical cancer. It is any day advisable that prevention is better than the treatments of cervical cancer.

• HPV vaccine
  Receiving HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of cervical as well as other forms of cancer that can result from HPV. Therefore, one must consult their physician to understand whether this type of vaccination would be suitable for them.
• Preventing sexually transmitted infections
  One must take necessary protection and limit their sexual partners to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections and, thereby, cervical cancer.

3. Types of screening tests
The following screening tests help in detecting cervical cancer as well as precancerous growth so that proper treatments of cervical cancer can be administered.

• Regular Pap tests
  Regular pap tests can help in identifying the precancerous condition of the cervix. By regularly monitoring the condition or providing treatment if required, cervical cancer can be prevented from developing.
• HPV DNA tests
  These types of tests are conducted by collecting the cervix cells and examining them for any form of HPV infection which can result in cervical cancer.

Thus, it can be stated that by following certain precautionary measures including screening tests, one can reduce the risk of cervical cancer development.