Abnormal cells start growing and clustering around the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the Vagina. It is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted during sex. Although the virus is removed by the body’s immune system, if it’s a high risk one, like HPV16 or HPV18, the chances of it remaining stubborn and causing cancer jump. There are 200 HPV viruses that sexually active people are infected with at some point in their lives. That doesn’t mean that all will develop cancer but a vaccine is needed to eliminate any risk. 

No discernible symptoms in the early stages. In the later stages, patient reports unusual vaginal bleeding, including post-coital bleeding, bleeding between periods or after menopause, watery or foul-smelling vaginal discharge and pelvic pain.