Probability of Developing Cervical Cancer (Women)
1 in 158 (0.6%)
Lifetime probability in US
About 0.6% of women will develop cervical cancer, a rate that has dropped dramatically due to Pap smears and HPV vaccination.
Cervical cancer has a lifetime risk of approximately 0.6% for women in the United States, a dramatic decline from decades past thanks to widespread Pap smear screening and, more recently, HPV vaccination. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18.
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9), recommended for girls and boys starting at age 11-12, protects against the HPV strains responsible for about 90% of cervical cancers. Combined with regular cervical screening (Pap test and/or HPV test), cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Risk factors include not being vaccinated, not getting screened, smoking, immunosuppression, and long-term oral contraceptive use.
The 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer is approximately 67% overall, and over 91% for localized-stage disease. Countries like Australia, which implemented aggressive HPV vaccination programs, are on track to virtually eliminate cervical cancer within the coming decades. Treatment depends on stage and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination.
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