Cancer. The “c” word. The big C.

No matter how you say it, nobody wants to think about it.

But, certain types of cancer can be prevented or caught early enough to stop if you are armed with a little knowledge.

What exactly is cervical cancer?

Your cervix is covered by a thin layer of tissue made of cells. When those cells are healthy, they grow, divide and are replaced as needed. Cancer of the cervix occurs when these cells change. Cancer cells divide more rapidly. They may grow into deeper cell layers and spread to other organs. The cancer cells eventually form a mass called a tumor.

It’s usually caused by HPV

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, and each year more than 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed cervical cancer.

It’s usually preventable

The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV. Cervical cancer can be prevented through regular screenings and tests. Pap tests can help detect abnormal cells early, before they turn into cancer.

It develops slowly

It usually takes several years for cervical cancer to develop. During that time, the cells on or around the cervix become abnormal. That’s why it’s so important to get your Pap tests.

All women are at risk

Though all women are at risk of developing HPV or cervical cancer, there are certain factors that increase that risk: having multiple sexual partners; having a male sexual partner who has had multiple sexual partners; having sex for the first time at an early age; a personal history of dysplasia of the cervix, vagina or vulva; a family history of cervical cancer; smoking; certain sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia; problems with the immune system; and having a mother who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy.

First signs

The first signs might be abnormal bleeding, spotting or watery discharge from the vagina. Your period may be heavier than normal and you may bleed after sex.

Advanced signs

Once cancer has advanced, symptoms can include pelvic pain, problems urinating and swollen legs.

Treatment options

Cervical cancer may be treated with surgery (hysterectomy), radiation and chemotherapy depending on the cancer stage.

There are programs that help uninsured and underinsured women to get screenings

The Well Woman HealthCheck is a free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic program that increases women’s access to screening and diagnostic services.

In Arizona, uninsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer on or after Aug. 2, 2012, may be able to receive comprehensive treatment through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program provided by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.