Incidence, pathophysiology and treatment of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women. While not in itself a sexually transmitted disease, cervical cancer is linked to the presence of the human papilloma virus, which is sexually transmitted. Survival rates are significantly higher where diagnosis is early, and a national screening programme has reduced mortality in the UK. However, uptake is low in some groups and nurses have a role in increasing uptake.