CERVICAL CANCER

=Cervical Cancer= '''Tumors''' develop when cells lose the ability to regulate growth. A solid mass of cell with irregular shape and function often develops. These tumours are usually benign (non-cancerous). '''Cancer''' develops when these abnormal tumour cells can invade surrounding tissues (metastasise). Normally cells undergo a process called apoptosis (programmed cell death) if they lose contact with the specific cell types that normally surround them. Cancer cells have usually lost the ability to undergo apoptosis. Cancer cells can invade other tissues and interfere with their function. [image:http://i.imgur.com/pM56MkW.png] Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common and 5th deadliest cancer in women Over 99% of cervical cancers are associated with HPV infection Approximately 80% of cervical cancers occur in developing countries (where precancerous tumours are less likely to be detected / treated). Mortality: 9 out of 100,000 women die each year from cervical cancer.