Cervical Cancer Facts and Stats
Cervical cancer forms in tissues of
the cervix. Since there are usually no early
symptoms, regular Pap tests are essential for early
detection. Pap tests are also important for detecting
cervical
abnormalities before they become cancerous. Most
invasive cervical cancers (between 60% and 80%) are
found in women who have
not had a Pap test within
the past 5 years.
Key Statistics:
- In 2007, an estimated 11,150 new cases of invasive
cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United
States.
- An estimated 3,670 U.S. women will die from the disease.
- Half of all women
diagnosed with cervical cancer are between the
ages of 35 and 55. Slightly over 20% are older
than 65. Cervical cancer among women younger than
20 is relatively rare.
- Hispanic women have twice the rate of
cervical cancer compared to non-Hispanic white
women. African-American
women develop cervical cancer 50%
more often than non-Hispanic white women.
- Over the past 50 years, the number of cervical
cancer deaths in the United States has dropped
by 74%. The death rate continues to decline
by nearly 4% a year. The
main reason is the increased use of screening with
Pap tests.
- When
detected at its earliest stage, cervical cancer
has a 5-year survival rate of 92%. The 5-year
survival rate for all stages combined is about
72%. The
prognosis is markedly affected by the extent
of disease at the time of diagnosis.
Risk Factors and Prevention:
- The most important risk factor for cervical cancer
is infection by the human papillomavarius (HPV).
However, most women infected with HPV do not develop
cervical cancer. Additional risk factors appear to
influence which infected women are more likely
to develop the disease.
- Certain types of sexual behavior increase a woman's
risk of getting HPV; namely, sex at an early
age, having many sexual partners, having a partner
who
has had
many sexual partners, and having sex with uncircumcised
males.
- Currently, one vaccine is FDA-approved for use
against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. (Approximately
100 HPV types have been identified.) The vaccine
protects against roughly 70% of all cancer-causing
types of HPV.
- Vaccination
is not a substitute for routine screening
with Pap tests. Even in women who have been vaccinated,
cervical cancer is still possible.
- In addition to HPV infection, risk factors for
cervical cancer include cigarette smoking, weakened
immune system, use of oral contraceptives, and
multiple pregnancies. Diets low in fruits and vegetables
may also increase risk.
- Nearly all cervical cancer can be prevented with
routine Pap tests and by avoiding risk factors.
References:
American Cancer Society. Detailed
Guide: Cervical Cancer. Retrieved April 3, 2007
from American Cancer Society web site at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?dt=8
National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer. Retrieved April 4, 2007 from National Cancer Institute web site at:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/cervical
For additional information on cervical cancer screening and diagnosis, please visit:
For information on cervical cancer screening services for medically underserved women:
Breast cancer and cervical cancer testing is available to medically underserved women through the National Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This program offers breast and cervical cancer early detection testing to women without health insurance for free or at very little cost.
For California women, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Cancer Detection Section (CDS) offers free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services through the Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds the cervical component of the Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Women age 25 and older may qualify for free cervical cancer screening, call 1-800-511-2300.
Updated: July, 2007. |
