What age can you get cervical cancer? At what age does cervical cancer occur?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination against HPV, regular screening for abnormal cells, and treatment of precancerous lesions. Cervical cancer can occur at any age, but it is most common in women between 35 and 44 years old.

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 prevention and treatment services is limited.

Women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women without HIV because their immune system is weaker and less able to clear HPV infection. Other risk factors for cervical cancer include having multiple sexual partners, having sex at an early age, smoking, and having other sexually transmitted infections.

Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed early and treated promptly. The treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. The prognosis for cervical cancer varies depending on the stage, but the overall five-year survival rate is about 68%.