Cancer of the cervix, a very common kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus, or womb. It connects the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal). Cancer of the cervix usually grows slowly over a period of time. Before cancer cells are found on the cervix, the tissues of the cervix go through changes in which abnormal cells begin to appear (a condition called dysplasia). Later, cancer starts to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas. New cases of cervical cancer among Vietnamese women are nearly 5 times those of White women. And, on average, Asian American/Pacific Islander women have much lower rates of cervical cancer screening than other groups.

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. Many ethnic groups share the things that can make you more likely to get cervical cancer, such as having more than one sexual partner, starting sexual intercourse at a young age, and other dangerous sexual behavior. Human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease (STD), causes most cases of cervical cancer. You can help find cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable, by getting regular Pap tests and pelvic exams. Get a pap test every one to three years if you have been sexually active, but no later than at 21 years old. Women should then have Pap tests at least once every three years. You should talk with your health care provider about how often you should have a Pap test and pelvic exam.

Publications

1. Asian Americans and Cancer (Copyright © ICCC) - This publication provides statistical information on the prevalence and rates of cancer among Asian Americans.

2. Cancer Facts - The Pap Test: Questions and Answers - This fact sheet answers questions that women commonly have about the pelvic exam and pap test, what they are, why each is important, how each is performed and by whom, how frequently the test should be done, how the results are interpreted, and what can cause an abnormal pap test result.

3. Cervical Cancer Screening: What Vietnamese Women Should Know - This booklet, in the Vietnamese language, provides information about the importance of Pap tests to detect cervical cancer.

4. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and Cancer (Copyright © ICCC) - This publication provides statistical information on the prevalence and rates of cancer among the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations.

5. What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Cervix - This booklet will give you some important information about cancer of the cervix and about some conditions that may lead to this disease. You can read about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. This booklet also has information to help you deal with cancer of the cervix if it affects you or someone you know.

anizations

1. American Cancer Society

2. Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum

3. Association of Asian/Pacific Community Health Organizations

4. Cancer.gov

5. National Asian Women's Health Organization

6. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, NCCDPHP, CDC

7. National Cancer Institute, NIH, HHS

8. National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)

9. Office of Minority and Women's Health, BPHC, HRSA, HHS

10. Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS

11. Office on Women's Health, HHS