The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, cancer centers, and other organizations nationwide recognize January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women; however, the cervical cancer death rate has dropped significantly with the increased use of routine screenings.
Cervical Cancer Facts and Figures
- In 2025, almost 13,360 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
- More than 4,320 women in the U.S. will die from cervical cancer in 2025.
- Cervical cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women between the ages of 35 and 44.
- More than 20% of cervical cancer cases occur in women over 65.
- Though the cervical cancer death rate has dropped more than half since the mid-1970s with the use of routine screenings, the death rate has stabilized over the recent years.
- Nearly all cervical cancer cases are a result of the human papillomavirus (HPV), but most cervical cancers can be prevented with routine screenings.
All data reported by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Cervical Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors
At the very early stages, cervical cancer usually does not present symptoms. Symptoms usually do not start until the cancer has grown. Irregular bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer, including bleeding after sex, menopause, or bleeding and spotting between periods. Other potential symptoms include periods that last longer or are heavier than usual, an unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex, pain in the pelvic region, swelling of legs, problems urinating or having a bowel movement, and blood in the urine.
“The leading risk factor for developing cervical cancer is having contracted HPV and not clearing the infection for a prolonged time interval,” said Robert Morris, M.D., gynecologic oncologist and leader of the Gynecologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
Other risk factors include engaging in sexual activity before age 18; smoking; having a suppressed immune system due to HIV, AIDS or other medical conditions; long-term contraceptive use; or a family history of cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Screening
“With screening and new advancements in cervical cancer prevention, this disease is one of the most preventable,” added Dr. Morris. “During screenings, specialists manage precancerous lesions to stop the cancer from developing. Of critical importance is preventing HPV infection and cancer with the HPV vaccine. The vaccine has conclusively demonstrated high efficacy in preventing infection and subsequent cancer.”
For more information about HPV and the vaccine, click here.
Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) typically conduct cervical cancer screenings. Screening for cervical cancer may include two tests. The Pap (Papanicolaou) test is used to identify abnormalities in the cells around the cervix. The HPV test checks for the presence of HPV within the cervix, which sometimes leads to cervical cancer.
Generally, people with a cervix ages, 21-65 should undergo screening. Screenings offer the best chance to find cervical cancer early when treatment can be most successful. If you are in need of an OB/GYN, visit mclaren.org/mmg to find a specialist accepting new patients in your area.
Cervical Cancer Treatment at Karmanos Cancer Institute
At the Karmanos Cancer Institute, cervical cancer is treated by specialized oncologists, which include gynecologic oncologists; radiation oncologists; radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers and genetic counselors.
“Our team of specialists are experts in gynecologic cancers. We work closely together to understand each patient’s particular cervical cancer diagnosis and collectively provide treatment plan options that fit their case and give them the best treatment outcomes,” explained Dr. Morris.
Patients who are diagnosed with cervical cancer are first evaluated by a gynecologic oncologist at the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, Karmanos Cancer Institute – Dearborn, Karmanos Cancer Institute at the Weisberg Cancer Center in Farmington Hills, or Karmanos Cancer Institute – Roseville. Our gynecologic oncologists, which include Dr. Morris, Radhika Gogoi, M.D., Ph.D., John Wallbilichi, M.D., and Ira Winer, M.D., Ph.D., FACOG, are among the best specialists in the world. They are recognized as the nation's "Best Doctors" and "Who's Who in Medicine." The team collectively designs and conducts clinical trials and translational research, and they contribute to publications on the surgical and medical management of gynecologic tumors.
For more information about cervical cancer, screening and prevention of the disease, and cervical cancer treatment at Karmanos, click here or call 1-800-KARMANOS.