Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Hong Kong. In 2023, there were 576 new cases of cervical cancer, accounting for 3.0% of all new cancer cases among women. It ranked seventh among the most common cancers in Hong Kong women and ninth among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Hong Kong.

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is primarily classified into squamous cell carcinoma (accounting for approximately 80%) and adenocarcinoma.

At OncoCare Cancer Centre, we deeply understand the stress that gynecological cancers place on women and their families. Led by clinical oncology specialists, we provide comprehensive support—from precise evaluation and personalized treatment to the recovery process. No matter what stage you are in, we will walk alongside you, safeguarding your health and quality of life.

The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina in the female reproductive system.

The surface of the cervix is covered by two types of cells. The cell your cervical cancer develops from determines the type of cervical cancer you have:

• Squamous cells – line the outer surface of the cervix (ectocervix). Cancer that develops from squamous cells is known as squamous cell carcinoma and is the most common type of cervical cancer (accounting for more than 80% of cases)
• Glandular cells – line the inner surface of the cervix (cervical canal or endocervix). Cancer of these cells is called adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is less common than squamous cell carcinoma

Other rare tumours of the cervix include small cell carcinomas, lymphoma, sarcoma, melanoma and mixed carcinomas (adenosquamous) which contain both squamous and glandular cells.

Early stages of cervical cancer may present no symptoms at all, it is important to receive regular cervical screening (Cervical Pap Smear) tests. However, as abnormal cell changes occur or the disease progresses, you may experience the following symptoms

Abnormal bleeding: Vaginal bleeding between periods, bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, or vaginal bleeding after menopause.

Abnormal discharge: Unusual vaginal discharge.

Pain and discomfort: Pain during sexual intercourse, pelvic pain.

Advanced symptoms: Blood in the urine or pain when urinating (if the urinary system is affected), swelling in the legs (if the lymphatic system is affected)

Our support from OncoCare: Many women feel anxious or embarrassed about gynecological examinations when faced with the symptoms of cervical cancer mentioned above. Our Women’s Health Screening at Tamarind Specialists Centre includes services such as Pap smears and pelvic ultrasounds to provide a comprehensive overview of women’s health. For more details, click HERE: Women's Health Screening | Book Now |Tamarind Specialists . You can also click here to enquire or make an appointment via WhatsApp

After diagnosis, accurately assessing the stage of cervical cancer is crucial for determining the treatment plan. Specialists use the TNM system—which evaluates the extent of the tumor (T), lymph nodes (N), and metastasis (M)—to determine the stage:

• Stage I – Cancer cells are confined to the tissue of the cervix.

• Stage II – Cancer cells have spread out of the cervix to the upper vagina or surrounding tissues.

• Stage III - Cancer cells have spread to the lower vagina, pelvic walls, or caused kidney problems, and may have spread to lymph nodes.

• Stage IV (IVA and IVB) - Cancer cells have spread to pelvic organs (such as the bladder or rectum) or even to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or bones.

Stage I Overview: Stage I cervical cancer indicates that the disease is still confined to the cervix. Early intervention at this stage typically offers an extremely high clinical cure rate and a wider range of treatment options. Multidisciplinary medical teams carefully evaluate the patient’s age and fertility needs when developing a treatment plan. Through fertility-preserving surgical procedures (such as radical trachelectomy), we are committed to thoroughly removing cancer cells while preserving women’s dignity and future possibilities to the greatest extent possible.

The primary treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Regardless of your stage, our experts will thoroughly explain your test results and work with you and your family to develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

When it comes to cervical cancer, we are committed to providing you with a patient-centered, personalized medical experience:

Highly Private Consultation Environment: Our clinics are conveniently located in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, offering you a comfortable and highly private consultation space.

Experienced Medical Team: You will be personally assessed and monitored by clinical oncologists.

Multidisciplinary Treatment Plans: We combine advanced technologies from various specialties to tailor the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Supporting Families Throughout the Journey: We understand that illness affects the entire family. Our team provides full support from diagnosis and treatment through to recovery, ensuring peace of mind for both patients and their caregivers.