Aspire Research Notes
What are the Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer?
Download the Complete Report (PDF)
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, about 11,070 cases of
invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Some
researchers estimate that non-invasive cervical cancer (carcinoma in situ) is
about 4 times more common than invasive cervical cancer.
About 3,870 women will die from cervical cancer in the United States during
2008. Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer
death for American women. However, mortality rates have declined steadily
over the past several decades. The main reason for this change is the
increased use of the Pap test. This screening procedure can find changes in
the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find early cancer in its most
curable stage.
Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Half of women diagnosed with this
cancer are between the ages of 35 and 55. It rarely occurs in women younger
than 20. Although cervical cancer does affect young women, many older
women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present
as they age. Slightly over 20% of women with cervical cancer are diagnosed
when they are over 65. It is important for older women to continue having
regular Pap tests at least until age 70, and possibly longer. See the section,"Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?" for more specific information on current
American Cancer Society screening recommendations.
Cervical cancer occurs most often in Hispanic women; the rate is over twice
that of non-Hispanic white women. African-American women develop this
cancer about 50% more often than non-Hispanic white women.
The 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed with localized cervical cancer is
92%.The overall (all stages combined) 5-year relative survival rate for cervical
cancer is 72%. Cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage more often in
white women (53%) than in African-American women (44%) and in women younger than 50 (62%) than in women 50 and older (37%).
The 5-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at
least 5 years after their cancer is diagnosed. Five-year rates are used to
produce a standard way of discussing prognosis. Of course, many people live
much longer than 5 years. Five-year relative survival rates exclude
patients dying of other diseases. This means that anyone who died of another
cause, such as heart disease, is not counted.
Keep in mind that 5-year survival rates are based on patients diagnosed and
initially treated more than 5 years ago. Improvements in treatment often result
in a more favorable outlook for recently diagnosed patients.
Download the Complete Report (PDF) |
