- There are 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
- In 2004 nearly two million women were screened through the Australian National Cervical Screening program and 14,503 were confirmed to have high-grade abnormalities, the highest rate was in the 25 – 29 age group.*
- The incidence of cervical cancer has almost halved since 1991 when 1,091 cases of cervical cancer were reported and 2002 when 689 cases were reported.*
- The death rate from cervical cancer has dropped from 329 in 1991 to 227 in 2002.*
- In Australia, most women who discover they have abnormal cervical cells from having a Pap smear will not get cervical cancer.
- In developing countries cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women.**
- An estimated 95% of women in developing countries have never been screened for cervical cancer.**
- Over 80% of women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer live in developing countries; most are diagnosed when they have advanced disease.**
- If left untreated (in developing countries) cervical cancer is almost always fatal.**
* Cervcial screening in Australia 2003 – 2004 (August 2006) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2006. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10359
**Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Control, A guide to essential practice. World Health Organisation
http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/cervical_cancer_gep/text.pdf
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