National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

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This month is a perfect opportunity for ob-gyns and other women’s health care providers to raise awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination.

Cervical cancer: by the numbers

  • An estimated 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2023.1
  • About 4,310 women will die from cervical cancer in 2023.1
  • The average age of diagnosis for cervical cancer is 50, and most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44.1
  • More than 20% of cervical cancer cases are found in women over 65.1
  • Approximately 33,700 cancers are caused by HPV each year, including 10,800 cervical cancers among women.2
  • The 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 66%.3
  • 21% of White women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer will not live for longer than 5 years after the cancer is found.3
  • 44% of Black women with cervical cancer diagnosis will not live longer than 5 years after the cancer is found.3

Missing appointments and misconceptions

  • 15% of American women say their last routine visit to an ob-gyn was more than 3 years ago, with nearly 1 in 10 (9%) saying they have never had a Pap test.4
  • About 1 in 10 Hispanic and Black women say they have never visited an ob-gyn for routine care (12% of Hispanic women and 8% of Black women vs 3% non-Hispanic White women).4
  • 67% of American women are unaware that almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.4
  • 66% of American women do not know that nearly all sexually active men and women get HPV at some point in their lives.4
  • 61% do not know there are different types of HPV strains.4
  • 55% of American women mistakenly believe that Pap tests screen for STDs.4
  • 67% mistakenly believe women aged 30 to 65 need a Pap test every year.4

References

  1. Cervical Cancer Statistics | Key Facts About Cervical Cancer. Cancer.org. Published 2023. Accessed January 17, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
  2. Meites E, Szilagyi PG, Chesson HW, Unger ER, Romero JR, Markowitz LE. Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Adults: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2019;68(32):698-702. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6832a3
  3. Cervical Cancer - Statistics. Cancer.net. Published June 26, 2012. Accessed January 17, 2023. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/statistics
  4. New Harris Poll Reveals Significant Gaps in Women’s Knowledge About Cervical Cancer | BD. BD. Published 2023. Accessed January 17, 2023. https://investors.bd.com/news-releases/news-release-details/new-harris-poll-reveals-significant-gaps-womens-knowledge-about

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