What is cervical cancer?

Credit: PA

More than 200,000 women are screened for cervical cancer in Wales every year, but what exactly is it they are being tested for?

Cervical cancer forms in the tissues of the cervix, and it often a slow-growing cancer that may not have any symptoms.

Each year around 3,000 women are diagnosed with the disease in the UK, most of whom are under 35.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the Human Papillomavirus, which is largely preventable through screening and vaccination.

Cervical cancer is not thought to be hereditary, and the most common symptoms are abnormal bleeding or discharge and pain.

The type of treatment for cervical cancer varies, but can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.