Commonly known as slow-growing cancer; Cervical cancer develops in the tissues between the uterus and the vagina, where it usually shows very few signs or symptoms of being there. It is usually only detected through a cervical smear (examination of cervical tissue [Pap test]) that has been responsible for reducing the death rate from cervical cancer by around 70% since 1955.
About 90% of all cases of cervical cancer are due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection; although, it is commonly recognized that most women during their lifetime will have the virus (having the virus does not mean it will cause cancer). Two types (strains) of the human papillomavirus: 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70% of diagnosed cases. Other factors that can lead to infection include: early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, having more than two or three children, and smoking.
HPV is commonly prevalent in women between the ages of 18 to 59 years; where it is estimated that about 25% of this age group will have HPV, and 15% of this age group will have a high-risk strain. Although this age range can be further narrowed down to 20-24 year olds who are at even higher risk.
Studies show that the overall average age for a woman to be diagnosed with cervical cancer is 48 years, and the chance of developing the disease increases with increasing age (up to 55 years). [48 – 55 years]). The risks begin to decrease significantly from the age of 55 (around 50% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in women between 35 and 54 years of age, and 15% in women under 35 years of age).
The death rate from cervical cancer is highest between the ages of 45 and 70 (black women at age 70 are 50% more likely to die from cervical cancer than white women of the same age) . This is why screening for the disease is important, as 60% to 80% of American women diagnosed with the disease typically have not been tested within 5 years prior to their diagnosis (some women have never been tested).
An HPV vaccine (believed to be 100% effective against two strains of HPV responsible for 70% of diagnosed cases) is now available and is generally aimed at both girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 before before sexual activity begins; although, in general, sexual activity has begun many years before the age of 26. Information about the HPV vaccine can be obtained at most local family health clinics.
