All of the information that follows (and more) can be found on Cancer Research UK 'CancerStats Key Facts - Cervical cancer Fact Sheet' - this is FREE to download.
How common is cervical cancer in the UK?
- In the UK in 2010, there were around 2900 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed (approx. 8 women daily)
- Cervical cancer is the twelfth most common cancer in women in the UK
- It is the third most common gynaecological cancer in women in the UK (after uterus (womb) and ovary) but the most common in women under the age of 35
- Around 1700 cases diagnosed are in women under the age of 50 (approx 6 in 10 of all new cases)
- Cervical cancer incidence in the UK decreased by nearly half between the late 1980's until the early 2000's, but the last decade has seen an increase of around 15% - mostly in women in their late 20's.
How many people survive cervical cancer?
- Two thirds of women survive their disease for five years or more
- Survival is higher in women diagnosed at a younger age. Women under 40 years of age have survival rates of almost 90%
What causes cervical cancer?
- Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main risk factor. It is a necessary cause of cervical cancer
- Women with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk
- Women with a mother or sister who has had cervical cancer are at increased risk
- Smoking increases the risk
- Long term use of the oral contraceptive pill also increases the risk
Screening and Vaccination
- The Department of Health set up the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in 1988
- Screening can prevent around 45% of cases in women in their 30s. This rises to 75% in women in their 50s / 60s who attend regular checks
- The HPV vaccination in schools was introduced into the National Immunisation Programme in 2008 for girls aged 12-13.
All information regarding stats can be accessed on Cancer Research UK CancerStats website : http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats or by emailing stats.team@cancer.org.uk.
Great post - I actually never realised that the stats are this high - and I'm remembering what happened to poor Jade Goody and her sudden decline....
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