DefinitionCervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina.Alternative NamesCancer - cervixCauses, incidence, and risk factorsWorldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women. It is much less common in the United States because of routine use of Pap smears.Cervical cancers start in the cells on the surface of the cervix. There are two types of cells on the cervix's surface: squamous and columnar. The majority of cervical cancers are from squamous cells.The development of cervical cancer is usually very slow. It starts as a precancerous condition called dysplasia. This precancerous condition can be detected by a Pap smear and is 100% treatable. That is why it is so important for women to g