January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Cervical cancer, once a leading cause of cancer death among American women, has become far more preventable thanks to HPV vaccination and regular screening with Pap and HPV tests. Yet the numbers remind us that the fight is far from over.
Key statistics
- New cases: About 13,360 invasive cervical cancer diagnoses are expected in the U.S. this year
- Mortality: Approximately 4,320 women will lose their lives to cervical cancer.
- Survival rates: The overall five-year relative survival rate is about 68%, but when detected early, survival rises to over 90%.
- Age group most affected: Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed in women between 35 and 64 years old, with the average age being 50.
- Disparities: Certain populations face higher incidence and death rates due to limited access to screening and health care.
Prevention and early detection
- HPV vaccination can prevent most cervical cancers. The CDC recommends vaccination for adolescents, but adults up to age 45 may benefit too.
- Screening tests (Pap smears and HPV tests) can detect precancerous changes before they develop into cancer.
- Regular checkups remain essential, even for older women who may mistakenly believe they are no longer at risk.