Cervical Cancer: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Martin E. Liebling, M.D., FACP
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that more than
11,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United
States in 2008.
- Half of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35
and 55 years of age. The disease rarely affects women under the age
of 20.
- Approximately 20 percent of women diagnosed with cervical
cancer are over age 65. For this reason, it is important for women
to have annual Pap tests until at least the age of 70.
- Noninvasive cervical cancer is about four times as common as
the invasive type. When this cancer is detected and treated early,
it often can be cured.
- Cervical cancer was once one of the leading causes of cancer
deaths among women in the United States. Since 1955, the number of
deaths from cervical cancer has declined significantly.
- There are two main types of cervical cancer
‑- squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
About 80 to 90 percent of all cervical cancers are squamous cell
carcinoma.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main risk factor for cervical
cancer. There are more than 100 types of HPV and some of them can
be spread through sexual contact and can lead to genital warts,
cancer and other problems.
- In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine to
protect against four types of HPV. The vaccine is most effective
when a girl or woman has not yet been exposed to HPV. It has been
approved for girls and women ages 9 to 26.
- Precancerous changes and early cancers of the cervix generally
do not cause symptoms. You may have precancerous cervical changes
and have no pain or discomfort.
- When cervical cancer becomes advanced, the most common symptoms
are abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased discharge and pelvic
pain.
- A Pap test is the most effective screening method for cervical
cancer. The test detects precancerous changes and allows for early
treatment.
- Most women who have abnormal cervical cell changes that
progress to cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or have not
had one in the previous three to five years. Women in the United
States who are most likely not to get a Pap test include those over
65, Hispanics, African-Americans and women with low incomes.
- Women who have many sexual partners have a higher-than-average
risk of developing cervical cancer. Women with HIV infection also
have a higher risk.
- Finding and treating abnormal cells can prevent most cervical
cancers. Regular pelvic examinations with a Pap test are very
important for the prevention of this disease.
- Precancerous cells can be removed with various methods
including cryosurgery (freezing) and laser therapy. These
procedures can be performed in a physician's office without general
anesthesia.
- The U.S. death rate from cervical cancer continues to decline
each year. This decline is primarily attributed to the increased
use of the Pap test and pelvic examinations.
- The five-year survival rate of cervical cancer is 83 percent.
However, when the disease is detected at its earliest stage, the
survival rate increases to 95 percent.
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