The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. The lining of the uterus becomes detached every month, and this causes menstruation. If a women gets pregnant, her periods stop temporarily. There is a collection of lymph nodes near the cervix.

It is most commonly found in women over age 20, and the highest rates are seen between ages 30 and 39, though the disease can affect women who are younger and older.

Cervical cancer may take many years to develop. Before this happens, changes take place in the cells of the cervix. The changes can range from dysplasia to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).