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Understanding cervical cancer

21 December, 2024
Produced by:

Optum Medical Care, P.C.

Understanding cervical cancer

While still a significant health issue, cervical cancer has become less common as a leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States, largely due to preventive screening efforts. According to the CDC, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are reported in the United States each year, and about 4,000 deaths. These numbers have decreased over the years, highlighting the importance of regular screenings, such as Pap tests, which help catch cervical abnormalities or cancer early, and HPV tests, which screen for human papillomavirus—the virus most likely to cause cervical cancer.

Prevention

Cervical cancer prevention starts with regular screenings. A Pap test and/or HPV test, conducted during routine exams, can identify cervical changes that may lead to cancer. These screenings allow health care providers to catch and treat any precancerous cells early, reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is another powerful preventive measure, providing protection against the HPV strains most likely to lead to cervical cancer. Additional protective steps include safe sexual practices, limiting the number of sexual partners, and avoiding smoking.

Common signs and symptoms

Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms. Cervical cancer symptoms may not be noticeable until the cancer has spread beyond the cervix. The most common early symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, bleeding after menopause or unusual vaginal discharge. In more advanced stages, signs may include swollen legs, blood in urine, or difficulties with bowel movements or urination. These symptoms are not unique to cervical cancer but should prompt a medical evaluation if they occur.

Survival rates

Survival rates for cervical cancer vary depending on the stage at diagnosis.
Localized (confined to the cervix or uterus ): 91% five-year survival rate.
Regional (spread to nearby lymph nodes): 60% five-year survival rate.
Distant (spread to other parts of the body): 19% five-year survival rate. Early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes, as these statistics emphasize.

Who is most at risk for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed in women between 35 and 44, although certain factors increase risk. Having HIV or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems can increase your risk of cervical cancer, along with smoking. Cervical cancer incidence rates decreased by more than half from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s.They have stabilized over the past decade, largely due to the increased use of screening. However, in women ages 30-44, rates have increased 1.7% each year from 2012 to 2019.

While cervical cancer remains a serious concern, preventive screenings, vaccines, and early detection strategies continue to improve outcomes and lower risks, empowering women to take control of their health.

Sources:

Cervical Cancer Statistics | Cervical Cancer | CDC

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival.html

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html