Understanding the stages of cervical cancer is crucial for determining the right treatment and predicting outcomes. The FIGO staging system is commonly used to classify the cancer into the following stages:

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)  
- Cancer cells are present only in the outer layer of the cervix and have not spread to deeper tissues or other areas.

Stage I  
- Stage I A: The cancer has spread only to the cervix tissues, no deeper than 5 mm and no larger than 7 mm.  
- Stage I B: The cancer has spread more noticeably within the cervix tissues.

Stage II  
- Stage II A: The cancer has spread to the upper part of the vagina but has not reached other nearby tissues.  
- Stage II B: The cancer has extended to the pelvic tissues surrounding the cervix.

Stage III  
- Stage III A: The cancer has reached the lower part of the vagina and may have spread to nearby tissues.  
- Stage III B: The cancer has invaded surrounding tissues and possibly the urethra or intestines.

Stage IV  
- Stage IV A: The cancer has spread to distant areas such as the colon or bladder.  
- Stage IV B: The cancer has spread to distant organs, like the lungs or bones.

Staging Process  
Cervical cancer staging involves physical examinations, medical imaging, and biopsies to assess the spread and extent of the cancer. Accurate staging allows doctors to choose the most effective treatment plan.

1. HPV Vaccination: Get vaccinated to reduce the risk of HPV infection, a leading cause of cervical cancer.  
2. Regular Pap Smears: Follow your doctor’s recommendations for routine screenings to catch any early abnormalities.  
3. Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms to lower the risk of HPV infection.
Regular screenings and preventive measures are essential in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Stay proactive about your health.