Regular cancer screenings save lives.
The ISD is the Information Services Department of Scotland. One of the tasks of the ISD is to gather data on cancer, including cervical cancer, and how it affects people in Scotland. The ISD also offers a cervical cancer screening program.
Cervical Cancer
The cervix is a narrow passage at the lower end of the uterus. It connects the uterus with the vagina. A sexually transmitted virus usually causes cancer of the cervix.
Incidence
In Scotland, two percent of all cancer cases are cervical cancer. It is the 13th most common cancer in Scotland. In the period between 1997 and 2007, the incidence of cervical cancer dropped 23.4 percent, according to data gather by ISD.
Mortality
Cervical cancer ranks 17th for cancer-related mortality. In the period between 1998 and 2008, the rate of mortality due to cervical cancer dropped 28.2 percent according to the ISD.
Survival
When caught early, cervical cancer is easily treated and survival rates are very high. In Scotland, 87.3 percent of cervical cancer patients survive at least one year, and 68.5 percent of patients survive for at least five years.
Screening
The ISD offers a cervical-cancer screening program. Women between the ages of 20 and 60 can be tested for cervical cancer every three years. Women with an abnormal test result may be invited back for more frequent check ups. Nearly three quarters of the eligible population participates in the cancer screening program.
Tags: cervical cancer, screening program, cancer dropped, cancer dropped percent, cancer screening, cancer screening program
