National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

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