Cervical Cancer Facts

• About 45 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in Manitoba.
• About 15 women in Manitoba die each year from cervical cancer.
• 60% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap test in 5 years or more.
• Regular screening with Pap tests can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancer.

What causes cervical cancer?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection, can cause changes on a woman’s cervix which may lead to cervical cancer. Other types of HPV may cause genital warts. 3 out of 4 people will come in contact with HPV at some point in their lives. You can get HPV easily from oral, genital or rectal sex or intimate touching. You can spread HPV even if you are not aware of any symptoms. Condoms may not always protect you against HPV. Warts or cervical changes may happen years after getting HPV. Currently, in Manitoba, the Pap test is the only way to find out if a woman has abnormal changes on her cervix due to HPV. Regular Pap tests with follow-up of abnormal changes can prevent most cancer of the cervix.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer in its early, or precancerous stages often has no symptoms. Some possible symptoms of cervical cancer may include the following:

• Abnormal pelvic bleeding that lasts for more than three consecutive months including:
  • bleeding between periods
  • bleeding after sexual intercourse
  • bleeding after menopause
  • heavy periods
• Abnormal pelvic discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain in the inner thigh area