The cervix is the lower part of the womb (uterus) and is often called the neck of the womb. The womb is a muscular, pear-shaped organ at the top of the vagina. The lining of the womb is shed each month, and results in bleeding called a period. These periods stop temporarily during pregnancy and will normally continue until a woman has the 'change of life' or menopause. Close to the cervix is a collection of lymph nodes.

This section is about cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb). Cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrium) is a different type of cancer and is discussed in our section on cancer of the womb.