About cervical cancer

What is the cervix?

The cervix forms part of the female reproductive system. It is found deep inside your vagina and is often called the neck of the womb. The cells in the cervix are always changing in response to your hormones.

What is cervical cancer?

Cancer of the cervix is cancer of the cells lining your cervix. Cervical cancer develops slowly over a number of years. At first it develops abnormal changes, which are called precancerous, and then leads to cancer itself. These abnormal cells are called CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) . These cells are not cancerous but if left untreated may develop into cancer.

How common is cervical cancer?

In Ireland about 200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. It is the second most common female cancer in Europe.

Call our National Cancer Helpline

Freephone 1800 200 700 to talk to a specialist cancer nurse
It's open Monday-Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Friday from 9am to 5pm