what is cervical cancer how does it happen

What is cervical cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells do not function correctly, divide very fast, and produce too much tissue that forms a tumor. Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the lower narrow part of the uterus (womb). The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during a woman’s pregnancy. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina (birth canal), which leads to the outside of the body. Cervical cancer is a disease that can be very serious; however, it is one that you can help prevent. Usually it takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to change into cancer cells, but sometimes it can happen in a very short period of time.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical pre-cancers and early cancers usually show no symptoms or signs. A woman usually develops symptoms when the cancer has become invasive and attacks nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding may include bleeding after menopause, bleeding that starts and stops between periods, bleeding that occurs after intercourse or a pelvic exam, or menstrual bleeding that lasts longer and heavier than usual. Another symptom may be vaginal discharge because of a large tumor that has become infected causing a malodorous discharge (bad smelling) which may occur before bleeding

Cause 

Cancer is the result of the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells which eventually form a lump or tumor.It happens due to some substances called carcinogens. Some risk factors for cervical cancer are having many sexual partners, becoming sexually active early, Smoking, Weakened immune system, certain genetic characters etc.