How Cervical Cancer Affects Women in the US

cervical cancer statsWith Cervical Cancer Awareness Month approaching, now feels like a great time to discuss cervical cancer and how it affects women in the US. Our healthcare providers believe that it’s important for women of all ages to understand their risk of cervical cancer. This is especially true for women between the ages of 35 and 44, the stage in life when cervical cancer is most likely to develop. To help paint a clearer picture of the impact cervical cancer and the risk it can pose, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine have provided the following statistics:

  • The American Cancer Society estimates that roughly 13,240 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2019.
  • About 4,170 women in the US will die from cervical cancer.
  • Although it is most common for women between 35 and 44, over 15% of new cases of cervical cancer are found in women above the age of 65.
  • The 5-year survival rate for women with cervical cancer is 67%. However, this may increase or decrease depending on when the cancer is detected, and treatment begins.
  • When detected at an early stage (before the cancer has spread), the 5-year survival rate for women with invasive cervical cancer is 92%.

Thankfully, the prevalence of cervical cancer has declined considerably over the past 40 years thanks to regular Pap testing and other preventative measures. The first step for women trying to prevent cervical cancer is to receive an HPV vaccine, as there is a strong association between HPV and cervical cancer. For women who miss their window for an HPV vaccination (ages 9 to 26), receiving regular Pap testing starting at age 21 is extremely important. A Pap smear can effectively find cervical precancer before it turns into cancer or detect the presence of cervical cancer while it is in its earliest and most treatable stage.

With the start of the new year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to take a more proactive approach to your general wellness. Preventing cervical cancer is possible. Taking the time to understand your risk and making sure to keep up with your regular screening appointments can go a long way towards helping you maintaining the best-possible health for many years to come. If you would like to learn more about cervical cancer or schedule a screening appointment today, please contact Abraham Family Medicine. We offer a wide variety of diagnostic screening services, general healthcare, and more at our Snellville-based office, not far from Grayson.