Cancer of the cervix is a type of cancer that affects the lower part of the uterus, or womb. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women, and it is estimated that more than 12, 000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus that is spread through sexual contact. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most people who are infected with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, but some types of HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix that can lead to cancer. The most important way to prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 12. It is also recommended for women up to age 26 who have not been vaccinated. In addition to getting vaccinated, it is important to get regular Pap tests. A Pap test is a screening test that looks for changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. # cancer cervix # GYNEC cancer # woman cancer # cervical vaccine DR prachi thakar MD , DNB, DGO, CPS FELLOW- Tata memorial hospital FELLOW - IEO , Milan , Italy