Cervical cancer: physiology, risk factors, vaccination and treatment

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer after breast cancer. Unlike many other cancers, however, it is largely preventable through screening and vaccination. Therefore, it is necessary for nurses to educate women about cervical cancer, to have an awareness of the mortality rates associated with cervical cancer, and to promote the NHS cervical cancer screening programme. This article discusses the need for cervical screening and methods of prevention, identifies risk factors, treatment and the role of the nurse in preventing and managing cervical cancer.