Cancer of the neck of the womb (cervix) is second only to breast cancer in the number of occurrences in women.Cancer of the cervix may take many years to develop. Before it does so, the cells in the cervix may show changes known as cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). This may also be referred to as dyskariosis, or having precancerous cells. However, although CIN can develop into cervical cancer if not treated, the majority of women with CIN do not develop the disease.

Around 2000 women die each year in Britain from cancer of the cervix. Some forms of the disease are becoming more common. Cervical cancer can be prevented, because it can be detected in the early stages through screening programmes.

Although cancer of the cervix is most common in women with genital warts, it is not the warts themselves that cause the changes to the cervix. Other factors that seem to be linked are the number of sexual partners (a high number increases the risk), a sexual partner with genital warts, heavy smoking, pregnancy at an early age, or three or more pregnancies.

Two viruses are thought to be directly linked to the development of the condition: the human papilloma (wart) virus, (HPV) and the herpes simplex (genital herpes) virus.

The success of treatment depends on the extent of spread at the time of diagnosis. Early cancer, confined to the cervix, offers an excellent outlook, with a success rate of over 85%. If the cancer has spread to the vagina, surrounding tissues and pelvic area, or elsewhere, the outlook is less positive.

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are all used to treat established cervical cancer, sometimes in combination. Radiotherapy is usually provided by means of sealed containers of radioactive caesium or radium that are placed in the vagina and in the cavity of the womb.