Cancer of the cervix occurs when cells grow out of control, spreading and growing throughout the cervix and invading and destroying other organs. These cancerous cells may also spread through the bloodstream and lymph system to other parts of the body. Almost 13,000 cases will be diagnosed this year and nearly 5,000 women will die from cervical cancer. This disease is commonly diagnosed with a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear. DES is a drug that was once thought to prevent miscarriages.
Smoking is another risk factor for cervical cancer.
Tobacco smoke can produce chemicals that may damage the DNA in cells of the cervix and make cancer more likely to develop. Women who smoke are about twice as likely as non-smokers to get cervical cancer. Diet could play a part as well. Eating more fruits and vegetables may be linked to a lower risk of some cancers. Several racial and ethnic groups have higher cervical cancer death rates.