Cervical Cancer vs. Cervical Incompetence: Understanding the Difference

In most cases, cervical incompetence is not caused by cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical incompetence, on the other hand, is a condition in which the cervix opens too early during pregnancy, often leading to premature birth or miscarriage. This condition is usually caused by a weakness or damage to the cervix, such as from a previous childbirth, surgery, or a congenital defect.