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What Is Cervical Cancer?

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Updated October 12, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix. The cervix is the lower third portion of the uterus. Abnormal cervical cells is the first sign of cervical cancer. Cervical cells multiply uncontrollably when cervical cancer occurs and sometimes damages other healthy organs. During childbirth, the cervix opens the birth canal (vagina) allowing passage of the newborn baby. Like most types of cancer, cervical cancer patients have the best chance for recovery when the disease is caught early.

Cervical Cancer FAQs

Source: The National Women's Health Information Center.

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