In recognition of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, this installment of the 60-Second Symposia provides five compelling pieces of information to share with patients when screening for cervical cancer.

5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of over 99% of all cases of cervical cancer.

4. It is rare for women under the age of 20 to develop cervical cancer.

3. Women over age 65 comprise 15% to 20% of annual cervical cancer cases in the United States.

2. When detected early, cervical cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of over 90%.

1. Most cervical cancers are found in women who have never received a Pap test, or have not had one in five years before being diagnosed.

References:

https://qap.sdsu.edu/screening/cervicalcancer/facts.html http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide

Jill Hechtman, MD
Medical Director: Tampa Obstetrics