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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 detecting abnormalities before they become cancerous. Most invasive cervical cancers are found in women who have never been screened or have not had a Pap test within the past 5 years.

Key Statistics:

  • In 2009, an estimated 11,270 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women.
     
  • In addition to invasive cervical cancer, some experts estimate that non-invasive cervical cancer is 4 times more common.
     
  • In 2009, an estimated 4,070 U.S. women will die from the disease. 
  • Most women with cervical cancer are diagnosed before the age of 50. However, older women remain at risk. Almost 20% of new cases are diagnosed in women over 65. Cervical cancer among women younger than 20 is relatively rare. 
     
  • Hispanic women have more than twice the rate of cervical cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. African-American women develop cervical cancer about 50% more often than non-Hispanic white women.
       
  • Between 1955 and 1992, the number of cervical cancer deaths in the U.S. dropped by 74%. The main reason was the increased use of screening with Pap tests. The death rate continues to decline by almost 4% a year.
     
  • When detected at its earliest stage, cervical cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of 92%. The 5-year relative survival rate for all stages combined is about 71%. In general, the prognosis is affected by the extent of disease at the time of diagnosis.
  • Cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage more often in white women (52%) than in African American women (44%) and in women younger than 50 (62%) than in women 50 and older (37%).

Risk Factors:   

  • The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These include HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45, along with several others. HPV 16 and HPV 18 account for about two-thirds of all cervical cancers.
  • Some patterns 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.
     
  • It is necessary to have had HPV for cervical cancer to develop. However, the vast majority of women who have been infected will never get the disease. Additional factors appear to influence an infected woman's chances for developing cervical cancer. 
  • In addition to HPV infection, risk factors for cervical cancer include genetics and family history, DES exposure, cigarette smoking, weakened immune system, oral contraceptives, and multiple full-term pregnancies. Some studies have shown that chlamydia infection and diets low in fruits and vegetables may also increase risk.  

Risk Reduction:   

  • Women have a choice between two FDA-approved vaccines (brand names, Gardasil and Cervarix). The approved vaccines protect against infection by HPV types 16 and 18.
       
  • Vaccination is not a substitute for screening with Pap tests. Even in women who have been vaccinated, cervical cancer is still possible.
  • Nearly all cervical cancer can be prevented with routine Pap tests and by limiting exposure to risk factors.

Early Detection is the Key to Saving Lives...

  • According to the American Cancer Society, all women should begin cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) about 3 years after they start having sex, but no later than age 21. A Pap test should be done every year (if conventional cytology) or every 2 years (if liquid-based cytology).
     
  • Beginning at age 30, women at average risk with 3 or more normal Pap tests in a row may get screened every 2 to 3 years. (Women at increased risk should continue annual screening.) 
     
  • Another option for women who are 30 and older is screening every 3 years with either type of Pap test (conventional or liquid-based cytology) plus HPV DNA testing. 
     
  • Beginning at age 70, women with 3 or more normal Pap tests in a row, plus no abnormal Pap tests within the last 10 years, may choose to stop getting screened. (Women with a history of cervical cancer, or with other certain risk factors, should continue getting screened for as long as they are in good health.) 
     
  • Women who have had a total hysterectomy for reasons other than cervical cancer or pre-cancer may also choose to stop getting screened. Women who have had a simple hysterectomy should continue getting screened as described above.

References:

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2009. Retrieved Oct. 19, 2009 from American Cancer Society web site at:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/stt/stt_0.asp

American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Cervical Cancer. Retrieved Oct. 19, 2009 from American Cancer Society web site at:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_7x_CRC_Cervical_Cancer_PDF.asp

National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer. Retrieved Oct. 19, 2009 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 screening services for medically underserved women:

Breast and cervical cancer screening services are available to medically underserved women living in the United States through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). The program is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and provides access to free or low-cost screening for eligible women.

For women in California, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Cancer Detection Section (CDS) provides clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams and Pap tests to California's underserved women through the Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts (CDP: EWC). The program is is funded by a federal grant and state tobacco tax revenue. Women who would like to see if they qualify for the program may call 1-800-511-2300 Monday - Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Updated: November 12, 2009

 
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