Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) does not increase the risk of cervical cancer. Having one condition does not cause the other, although the two do share some of the same symptoms.
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that disrupts ovary function, often leading to irregular menstrual cycles.
In contrast, cervical cancer arises when the cells of the cervix grow atypically. The cervix is the narrow passage that connects the uterus to the vagina.
In this article, we will examine PCOS and cervical cancer, explore the broader health impacts of PCOS, and provide guidance on when to seek medical advice.
No, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not related to cervical cancer. PCOS does not cause this type of cancer, nor does it raise the risk of getting it.
People can prevent HPV by:
- getting the HPV vaccine
- getting regular cervical screenings, or Pap smears
- using condoms during sex, although this does not provide total protection
Cervical cancer
This is why cervical screenings are important for detecting the condition before it progresses.
The table below summarizes the symptoms of PCOS versus cervical cancer:
| PCOS | Cervical cancer |
|---|---|
| • • heavy periods • hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs (hirsutism) • severe or persistent acne • oily skin • weight gain or difficulty losing weight • patches of thicker, darker, velvety skin (acanthosis nigricans) • difficulty getting pregnant, or infertility | • vaginal bleeding between periods • periods that are • bleeding after menopause • bleeding after sex • pain during sex • vaginal discharge that contains blood, is watery, or has a strong odor |
Symptoms of cervical cancer in the later stages can include difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement, swollen legs, fatigue, and pain in the abdomen or back.
While PCOS does not cause cervical cancer, it can affect cervical health.
Individuals with PCOS can have hormonal imbalances that alter cervical mucus. This mucus is important for conception, helping sperm move through the cervix and into the uterus. As a result, changes in this mucus can potentially affect fertility.
Additionally, PCOS can increase the risk of chronic inflammation and infections in the reproductive system, which may result in pelvic pain or unusual discharge.
PCOS is also a risk factor for cervical insufficiency (CI), which occurs when the cervix cannot support a full-term pregnancy. CI affects
Learn more about PCOS and fertility.
While PCOS does not cause cervical cancer, it can increase the risk of other health complications, including:
- Type 2 diabetes: PCOS can contribute to insulin resistance, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and
increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. - Heart complications: PCOS can contribute to an increased risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
- Obesity: Weight gain and obesity are common symptoms of PCOS.
- Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, resulting in low oxygen levels.
PCOS may also contribute to depression and anxiety, although doctors do not yet fully understand the reasons for this.
Learn more about PCOS and depression.
Yes, PCOS can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
According to a 2023 review of past research, individuals with PCOS are three times more likely to develop endometrial carcinoma than those without the condition.
The reason for this is excess estrogen and a lack of progesterone, which can lead to thickening of the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus.
Research on whether PCOS increases the risk of ovarian cancer is inconclusive. While the 2023 review found no connection between the two conditions, another review from 2022 did find evidence of an increased risk.
There is no clear association between PCOS and breast cancer.
Treatment cannot cure PCOS, but it may reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition, according to a 2019 review. Treatment options may include:
- diet and lifestyle changes to manage weight and regulate insulin
- hormonal contraception to regulate hormones and prevent pregnancy, if a person does not want to conceive
- medications such as metformin
- regular check-ups to monitor for any complications
- treatment for diabetes, if it develops
Although people often view PCOS as a purely gynecological problem, it is a condition that affects the whole body.
Doctors should work with people with PCOS to tailor their treatment to their needs, addressing nutrition, fertility goals, symptom reduction, and mental health, as necessary.
Anyone who is unsure if they have PCOS or cancer should speak with a doctor.
It is not possible for people to tell the difference between these conditions themselves, so they should report anything unusual to a medical professional so they can investigate.
It is especially important to speak with a doctor if a person experiences:
- unusual vaginal discharge
- new or unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
- unexplained pelvic pain
- pain during sex
- difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
- unexplained fatigue
- unexpected weight gain or loss
- symptoms of high blood sugar, such as feeling unusually thirsty or frequent urination
In this section, we answer some frequently asked questions about PCOS.
Can PCOS be detected in a Pap smear?
No, a Pap smear cannot detect PCOS. A Pap smear is a screening tool for cervical cancer.
Currently, there is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Doctors diagnose it through a combination of clinical evaluations, blood tests, and imaging tests, such as a pelvic ultrasound.
What is the life expectancy of a person with PCOS?
PCOS on its own does not directly affect life expectancy, but it can contribute to health complications that may have an impact.
Reducing the risk of these complications by seeking treatment from a doctor can support long-term health in individuals with PCOS.
PCOS does not raise the risk of cervical cancer. In most cases, the cause of cervical cancer is HPV. However, PCOS can lead to other health conditions and has associations with a higher risk of endometrial cancer.
Managing PCOS can reduce the risk of some of the complications associated with this condition. Speak with a doctor for a comprehensive treatment plan.