Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is abnormal cells that grow on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It is slow-growing and is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Most cervical cancer is caused by various types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which spreads through sexual contact. When exposed to HPV, the immune system usually prevents the virus from doing harm, but sometimes the virus survives for years and causes cells on the surface of the cervix to become cancerous. It can be successfully treated if found early. Vaccines can protect against several types of HPV.

Why UAB

At the UAB Medicine Women’s Cancer Program, you receive care in the most advanced facilities from board-certified gynecologic oncologists trained in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Our experts design customized treatment plans for each patient’s individual needs and use the latest technology to screen for and treat all types of women’s reproductive cancers.

Mindful of the stress that comes with a potential cancer diagnosis, we are committed to rapid evaluation of suspected gynecologic malignancies. We pledge to see you within 72 hours of being called and commit to implementing a surgical and treatment plan within a week after that initial visit.

Your physicians at UAB Medicine are national and international leaders in gynecologic cancer and treat more gynecologic cancer patients in Alabama than any other group. Our modern clinical facilities include an embedded chemo-infusion unit. You will have access to the full range of the latest minimally invasive and open surgical techniques, including robotic surgery and complex radical surgery.

UAB Medicine is nationally renowned for our care of patients with women’s cancers. We have been recognized as one of the leading gynecologic oncology research divisions in the world and were one of five institutions to be awarded a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in ovarian cancer by the NIH. We currently partner with Johns Hopkins University in a cervical cancer SPORE. We are dedicated to improving treatments and ultimately finding a cure for these cancers.

Our physicians have access to a large portfolio of clinical trials, which gives many patients the opportunity to receive pioneering treatments not available at other medical centers. Through our Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Program for Women's Cancer, we also offer comprehensive risk assessments and prevention strategies for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer, arming women with knowledge to make informed decisions about their cancer risk and care.

PHYSICIANS

Rebecca C. Arend, MD

Kerri S. Bevis, MD

Michael J. Birrer, MD, PhD

Omer L. Burnett, MD

John B. Fiveash, MD

Warner K. Huh, MD

Kenneth Hyun-Chung Kim, MD

Robert Kim, MD

Charles A. Leath III, MD

Margaret Liang, MD

Sharon A. Spencer, MD

J. Michael Straughn Jr., MD

Related Treatments

Depending on your case and your physician’s assessment, your condition may be treated using one or more various procedures. Some of those procedures are listed below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Smoking Cessation

Clinical Trials

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer . We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials