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Cervix
The lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal).

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
A virus that is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types cause warts or non-cancerous (benign) tumors. Some types cause cancer of the cervix.

Invasive Cervical Cancer
A stage of cervical cancer where the cancer has spread deep into the cervix, and maybe into other tissues and organs. Invasive cervical cancer is almost always able to be cured when it is found early and treated soon after it is found.

Noninvasive Carcinoma
A very early form of cervical cancer.

Pap Test
The Pap test, also called a Pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of a woman’s cervix. The results of this test usually show infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer.

Screening
Screenings are tests that serve as a tool for doctors and other health professionals to find disease or infection in people that are not showing any signs or symptoms. For cervical cancer, this screening test is called the Pap test.

Sources
American Cancer Society. What are the risk factors for cervical cancer? Retrieved on March 20, 2006 from: Detailed Guide: Cervical Cancer What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?

Womenhealthnet.info. Cervical cancer. Retrieved on March 23, 2006 from: Get Treatment for Women Health

Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Womenshealth.gov. Retrieved on April 20, 2006 from: What is a Pap test?