The Long Timeline
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly, over 10–15 years.
Step 1: HPV Exposure
HPV infection is common and often clears naturally.
Step 2: Persistent Infection
In some cases, the virus remains for years.
Step 3: Precancerous Changes
Abnormal cells form — still reversible.
Step 4: Localised Cancer
Cancer develops within the cervix.
Step 5: Invasive Disease
Cancer spreads beyond the cervix if untreated.
Where Screening Works
Screening interrupts this process at Steps 2–3, long before cancer forms.