Each year thousands of women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer. For 2010, estimates were over 12,000 women in the U.S. would be diagnosed with cervical cancer and over 4,000 women would eventually die of the disease. Almost all of these deaths could have been prevented.
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer death for women. The World Health Organization states that about 510,000 cases of cervical cancer are reported each year – with nearly 80% in developing countries: 68,000 in Africa, 77,000 in Latin America, and 245,000 in Asia.
All the HPV types that can cause cervical cancer are detectable. This means that cervical cancer can be prevented before it has a chance to start.
Testing is critical to preventing cervical cancer. 50% of women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer had not been tested in the previous five years. Sometimes even in spite of yearly testing it is possible to have cervical cancer. Sybil had been dedicated to her yearly screenings and yet in spite of this she was diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer. This is why it is critical to know the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and to stay vigilant with your doctors.
Vaccination is available. Vaccinating young girls can help reduce rates of cervical cancer in the future. We can protect our daughters by vaccinating them now.
So take care of yourself. Take care of daughters. Talk to your female friends, colleagues, family members. Truth is good for your health. Make sure your healthcare provider does the right thing. Doesn’t it feel great to stay in control of your life?!
