What Is Cervical Cancer and What Is the Connection to HPV?

Mount Sinai: Cervical cancer is a malignancy that originates in the lower part of the uterus, the part that dilates when you are having a baby. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Common symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, and pain during sexual activity. HPV infection usually has no symptoms but is picked up on cervical cancer screening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cervical cancer occurs most often in people over age 30. When cervical cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable.

In this Q&A, Stephanie V. Blank, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Mount Sinai Health System, answers frequently asked questions about cervical cancer, including risk factors, its connection to HPV, prevention, and treatment options.

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