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Cancer in South Carolina

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Incidence Rate

  • Cervical cancer is the 17th most commonly diagnosed cancer in SC, and 15th in the US.
  • In 2017-2021, the cervical cancer incidence rate in SC was 7.9 cases per 100,000 women.
  • In 2017-2021, the cervical cancer incidence rate in the US was 7.5 cases per 100,000 women.
  • In this time period (2017-2021), SC ranked 17th highest among the other 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Cervical Cancer Mortality Rate

  • Cervical cancer is the 18th most common cancer cause of death in SC, and 17th in the US.
  • In 2017-2021, the cervical cancer mortality rate in SC was 2.5 deaths per 100,000 women.
  • In 2017-2021, the cervical cancer mortality rate in the US was 2.2 deaths per 100,000 women.
  • • In this time period, SC ranked 15th highest among the other 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Screening and Prevention

Cervical cancer is known to be caused by certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The FDA has approved three vaccines for the prevention of cervical cancer from HPV infections. Since 2016, Gardasil 9 has been the only HPV vaccine used in the United States for youth age girls and boys: Gardasil 9 is recommended for use starting age 9 to 26 years. For adult women, the HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes. For more information click here .

The Pap test is a cervical cancer screening tool that screens for abnormal cells on the cervix. Abnormal (dysplastic) and precancerous cells can develop into cervical cancer if not found and treated. The Pap test can provide early detection of cervical cancer. Treatment is most successful for early-stage cancer.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends how often you should be screened for cervical cancer, and which tests you should get based on age and health history. For more information click here .

Best Chance Network (BCN)

The Best Chance Network (BCN) provides free breast and cervical cancer screening to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women in South Carolina. Since 1991, BCN has been providing the following breast and cervical cancer screening services: clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, Pap tests, and HPV tests. Eligible clients can receive these services if they are 21-64 years old (cervical cancer screenings), 30-64 years old (breast cancer screenings), have no health insurance or are underinsured, and have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. In addition to screening services, BCN also provides public and professional education, surveillance, quality assurance, and patient navigation for diagnostic follow-up and treatment. If a woman screened through BCN needs treatment for breast or cervical cancer, she may be eligible to apply for Medicaid.