Cancers at a glance

Click the cancer types below to view the latest key facts on trends in new cases, deaths and survival in NSW.

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In depth cancer reports

For detailed data and analysis, please see the latest cancer reports published by the Cancer Institute

Cervical Screening in NSW: Annual Statistics Report 2007-08

Cancer in NSW: Incidence and Mortality 2008

Other cancer reports

Online cancer statistics

Run detailed and customised reports on specific cancers, with comparisons on age, genders and geography:

Online statistics module

Cervical cancer

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Cervical cancer is a disease specific to women. It accounts for 1.6 per cent of all new cancer and 1.7 per cent of cancer deaths in women in NSW. A Pap test is an effective way to limit the risk of cervical cancer. It is recommended women between the ages of 20 and 69 who have been sexually active have a Pap test every two years.

At a glance

2008 statistics Women
Cases Rate Trend
New cases 248 6.7 positive trend downwards 25.1
Deaths 101 2.5 positive trend downwards 21.6
Relative survival
(5 year)		 73% Unchanged
  • Cervical cancer is the 15th most common cause of cancer in females in NSW and its mortality is ranked 18th for cancer in females.
  • One in 160 women will develop cervical cancer by the age of 85.
  • It is expected more than 225 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2011.

Cases refers to the number of people with the disease; Rate means cases per 100,000 people (age standardised); Trend means the change in the rate over 10 years.

Historical trends

New cases

Age-standardised incidence, NSW

NSW cervical cancer incidence, 1972-2008

Deaths

Age-standardised mortality, NSW

cervical-mortality.png

 

Risk factors

  • Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of most cases of cervical cancer.
  • HPV is most likely contracted by having multiple sexual partners, having sex at an early age, or sex with uncircumcised males.
  • A family history of cervical cancer.
  • Tobacco smoking and obesity increase the risk of cervical cancer.
  • Other risk factors include infection with Chlamydia or HIV, multiple pregnancies or long term use of an oral contraceptive.

 

Prevention

A vaccine is now available for girls and young women who have never had sex. The vaccine works to prevent 70 per cent of HPV types that cause cervical cancer. However, it is only effective in those who have never been exposed to the virus.

Detection and screening

In Australia, it is recommended women aged between 20 and 69 who have been sexually active have a Pap test every two years.

This recommendation applies to heterosexual women and lesbians. A Pap test is a simple test performed by a family doctor or gynaecologist. If abnormal cells are detected a doctor may use a colposcope to look at the cervix. A biopsy may then be performed to determine if cancer cells are present.

Research

More than $5.8 million was spent on research into gynaecological cancers, including cervical cancer, in NSW between 2007 and 2009.

Data sources:

  1. Cancer In NSW, Incidence and Mortality Report 2008. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, August 2010.
  2. Cancer Research in NSW 2007-2009. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW. March 2011.
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