Cervical Cancer
When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows when a person is pregnant. Everyone with a cervix at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in individuals over age 30. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
What You Should Do
- Know the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.
- Learn about risk factors for cervical cancer.
- Have regular screening tests. Talk to your doctor about when to be screened.
- Get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The HPV virus is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. It is the main cause of cervical cancer. Click here to learn more about the HPV vaccine.
What We Are Doing
The Rhode Island Department of Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program can help cover the cost of cervical screening to program-eligible individuals. Click here to view the age-eligibility screening guidelines.