Can cervical cancer lead to death?

Cervical cancer is a serious health problem that affects millions of women around the world. It is caused by a persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be prevented by vaccination and screening.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020. The majority of these cases and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to health services and social and economic factors play a major role.

Women living with HIV are also at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, as their immune system is weakened by the virus. Cervical cancer can lead to death if it is not detected and treated early. The cervical cancer death rate has dropped by more than half since the mid-1970s because of prevention and screening, although rates have stabilized in recent years.

The death rate in Black women and Native American women is about 65% higher than in White women. The WHO has set a goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, by achieving three targets: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15, screening 70% of women aged 35-45 years, and treating 90% of women with cervical disease.

Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. There are different types of treatment available, depending on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s preferences. These include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods.

The side effects of treatment may vary from person to person, but they can include pain, bleeding, infection, infertility, sexual problems, bladder or bowel problems, lymphedema, or emotional distress. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider after treatment and to seek support from your family, friends, or other sources if you need it.

Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease that can be eliminated with concerted efforts from governments, health systems, communities, and individuals. By raising awareness, increasing vaccination and screening coverage, improving access to diagnosis and treatment, and providing palliative care and survivorship support, we can save millions of lives and end the suffering caused by cervical cancer.