The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for cancer of the cervix in the United States are for 2009:

• 11,270 new cases of invasive cervical cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the cervix)
• 4,070 deaths from cervical cancer

Some researchers think that non-invasive cervical cancer (cancer that is only in the cervix when it is found) is about 4 times as common as the invasive type. When found and treated early, cervical cancer often can be cured.

Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely occurs in women younger than 20. Many women do not know that as they get older they are still at risk of getting cervical cancer. This is why it is important for older women to keep having regular Pap tests.

Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But since 1955 the number of deaths from cervical cancer has gone down a lot. The main reason for this change is the use of the Pap test to find cervical cancer early. (Please see the section "Can cancer of the cervix be prevented?")

Last Medical Review: 09/24/2009
Last Revised: 09/24/2009