Q. Can you die from cervical cancer?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, unfortunately you can die from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women and it is also one of the most preventable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 12,820 cases of cervical cancer were reported in 2018 alone, with 4,250 deaths resulting from the disease.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 13,170 new cases of invasive cervical cancer in 2020 and around 4,250 women will die from the condition. The main cause behind this high mortality rate is late diagnosis or a lack of screening tests for early detection as well as inadequate treatment in some parts of the world where resources are limited or access to care is difficult.
Fortunately, though it can be fatal if not caught early enough or treated properly, cervical cancer has a very good prognosis when diagnosed at an early stage that can be detected through regular screenings such as Pap test screenings which should begin at age 21 for all women who are sexually active. Taking action to protect yourself by getting regular check-ups and following up with your doctor on any abnormal results could make all the difference if you ever do get diagnosed with this type of cancer.