Cervical Cancer, from the CureRays guide library.

Cervical cancer starts in the lower part of the uterus and is caused by HPV — making it one of the few cancers we can largely prevent through vaccination and screening.

What it is.

The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus. This makes cervical cancer remarkable: it is one of the few cancers we can largely prevent. The HPV vaccine stops most infections before they start, and screening (Pap and HPV tests) finds pre-cancerous changes that can be treated long before they ever become cancer. When cancer does develop, radiation combined with chemotherapy is a powerful, often curative treatment.

How radiation treats it.

Radiation uses focused high-energy x-rays to damage cancer-cell DNA so the cells can no longer divide. Cervical cancer treatment combines external-beam radiation, which covers the cervix and pelvic lymph nodes, with brachytherapy, which places the radiation source right inside the tumor for a powerful local dose while sparing surrounding organs. Treatments are painless and brief; side effects can include temporary bladder and bowel changes, fatigue, and vaginal dryness, which the care team helps manage during and after treatment.

The ways we can treat it.

External-beam radiation (IMRT/IGRT). Treats the cervix, uterus, and pelvic lymph nodes over about five weeks, shaping the dose to spare the bladder and bowel, usually alongside weekly chemotherapy.

Image-guided brachytherapy. Places a radiation source directly within the cervix and uterus, delivering a very high, precise dose to the tumor. It is a critical, cure-defining step that cannot be skipped without lowering success.

Concurrent chemoradiation. Low-dose chemotherapy given during radiation makes the cancer more sensitive to it, significantly improving cure rates for locally advanced disease.

Questions we hear often.

Can cervical cancer really be prevented? To a remarkable degree, yes. The HPV vaccine prevents most of the infections that cause it, and regular screening finds and treats pre-cancer before it becomes cancer. Together they make cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers.

Why is brachytherapy so important? Internal radiation delivers a high dose right where the tumor is, and studies show skipping it lowers cure rates. For most cervical cancers treated with radiation, it is an essential part of the plan.

Will treatment affect my ability to have children? It can, depending on stage and treatment. For very early cancers, fertility-sparing options may exist — so if having children matters to you, raise it with your team before treatment begins.

This guide is informational only. It is not medical advice — please confirm anything here with your care team.