Late-Stage Cervical Cancer: Challenges for Older Women
Overcoming Cervical Cancer in Older Women: The Importance of Early Detection Cervical cancer is a disease that affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is a type of cancer that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is typically diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 55. However, older women are also at risk for cervical cancer, and when it is diagnosed in this age group, it is often in the late stages. This can be particularly devastating, as the chances of survival are much lower in these cases. One of the main reasons that older women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer is that they are less likely to receive regular screenings. The Pap test , which is used to detect cervical cancer, is typically recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65. However, many older women may not be aware of this recommendation, or may not be able to afford the test. Additionally, some older women may be