How common is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer ranks among the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data (Sung et al., 2021):

• An estimated 604,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2020.
• It was the fourth most frequent cancer in women, after breast, colorectal and lung cancers.
• About 342,000 women died from cervical cancer in 2020.

These numbers highlight that cervical cancer remains a significant public-health concern. While rates have declined in countries with organized screening and HPV vaccination programs, many regions still face high incidence and mortality.

Incidence in the United States and Other High-Income Countries

In the U.S., cervical cancer is less common than in low- and middle-income countries but still affects thousands of women each year. According to the American Cancer Society:

• Approximately 14,100 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. annually.
• The age-adjusted incidence rate is about 7.4 per 100,000 women.
• Roughly 4,280 women die from cervical cancer each year in the U.S.

Regular Pap tests (or liquid-based cytology) and HPV testing have driven incidence down by more than 50% over the past 40 years in countries with widespread screening.

Global Variation

Cervical cancer incidence varies dramatically by region:

• Sub-Saharan Africa: up to 40 per 100,000 women
• South Asia and parts of Latin America: 15–25 per 100,000
• North America, Western Europe, Australia/New Zealand: 4–7 per 100,000

Key factors influencing these differences include access to screening, HPV vaccination coverage, health-care infrastructure and public awareness.

Who’s at Higher Risk?

Several factors increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer:

• Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types (especially HPV-16 and HPV-18)
• Early sexual activity or having multiple sexual partners (higher chance of HPV exposure)
• Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV infection, certain medications)
• Smoking (tobacco byproducts weaken local immunity)
• Lack of regular cervical screening or follow-up on abnormal results

Most cervical cancers evolve slowly over many years, giving prevention and early-detection strategies an excellent chance to work.

Prevention and Early Detection

The two most powerful tools to reduce cervical cancer rates are HPV vaccination and regular screening:

• HPV Vaccination
– Protects against the viral strains most likely to cause cervical cancer.
– Recommended for preteens (both girls and boys) and catch-up vaccination up to age 26 (and in some cases up to age 45).

• Cervical Screening
– Pap test every 3 years starting at age 21 (or co-testing with HPV every 5 years from age 30).
– Follow-up of any abnormal result with colposcopy or treatment of precancerous lesions.

Countries that combine high-coverage HPV vaccination with organized screening programs have seen up to a 90% drop in cervical cancer incidence over two decades.

Signs, Symptoms and When to Act

Early cervical cancer often causes no symptoms. As it progresses, signs may include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (after sex, between periods or after menopause)
• Unexplained pelvic pain or discomfort
• Unusual vaginal discharge

If you experience any of these issues, don’t delay. You might consider doing a free, online symptom check for to get a preliminary idea of what could be going on. However, online tools are no substitute for professional evaluation. Always speak to a doctor about any concerning symptoms, especially those that could be life-threatening or serious.

Take-Home Points

• Cervical cancer remains a common threat globally, with over 600,000 new cases each year.
• Rates are falling in places with good screening and HPV vaccination, but many regions still face high incidence and mortality.
• Persistent HPV infection is the main cause—vaccination and regular screening can prevent most cases.
• Know the warning signs and seek professional advice early.

If you have any concerns—whether a history of abnormal Pap tests, new symptoms or questions about vaccination—talk with your health-care provider. Early detection saves lives, and simple preventive steps can make a big difference.