This section provides an overview of cervical cancer, including its definition, types, and key statistics. Cervical cancer originates from abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. The cervix is divided into the endocervix and exocervix, with the transformation zone being the area where these two types of cells meet. Most cervical cancers begin in this zone. Abnormal cell changes, such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), can progress to cancer. Regular screening with HPV and Pap tests can detect these changes early, preventing cancer development. Treatment for abnormal cells can prevent almost all cervical cancers. The main types of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, with squamous cell carcinomas being the most common. Other types, like melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma, are less frequent in the cervix. Key statistics for cervical cancer in the US include: - About 13,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected in 2024. - About 4,360 women are expected to die from cervical cancer in 2024. - Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women aged 35-44, with an average age of 50. - Incidence rates have decreased by more than half since the mid-1970s but have stabilized in recent years. - Mortality rates have also dropped significantly, but Black and Native American women still have higher death rates compared to White women. Research in cervical cancer includes immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and HPV vaccines. These advancements aim to improve prevention and treatment outcomes.This section provides an overview of cervical cancer, including its definition, types, and key statistics. Cervical cancer originates from abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. The cervix is divided into the endocervix and exocervix, with the transformation zone being the area where these two types of cells meet. Most cervical cancers begin in this zone. Abnormal cell changes, such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), can progress to cancer. Regular screening with HPV and Pap tests can detect these changes early, preventing cancer development. Treatment for abnormal cells can prevent almost all cervical cancers. The main types of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, with squamous cell carcinomas being the most common. Other types, like melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma, are less frequent in the cervix. Key statistics for cervical cancer in the US include: - About 13,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected in 2024. - About 4,360 women are expected to die from cervical cancer in 2024. - Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women aged 35-44, with an average age of 50. - Incidence rates have decreased by more than half since the mid-1970s but have stabilized in recent years. - Mortality rates have also dropped significantly, but Black and Native American women still have higher death rates compared to White women. Research in cervical cancer includes immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and HPV vaccines. These advancements aim to improve prevention and treatment outcomes.