Facts about HPV-associated Cancers in South Carolina

Facts about cervical cancer and other HPV-associated cancers in South Carolina:

  • South Carolina ranks 18th in new cases of cervical cancer and 11th in cervical cancer deaths in the United States.
  • Each year in South Carolina, it is estimated that 170 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 75 women will die from the disease.
  • Nationally, cervical cancer rates are greater among African-American/Black and Hispanic women as compared to white women, and the cervical cancer death rate is more than two times higher in African-American/Black women (5.5 per 100,000) as compared to white women (1.8 per 100,000) in South Carolina.
  • HPV-associated cancers, including cervical, oropharyngeal, and other anogenital cancers (anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar), affect men and women. South Carolina ranks among the highest states in the United States when examining HPV-associated oral cancer in males and females.
  • In addition to cancer, HPV also leads to pre-cancerous conditions, such as causing abnormal pap tests. Millions of women each year have abnormal pap test results indicative of the presence of HPV.
  • Learn more about HPV and cervical cancer

Facts about adolescent vaccination in South Carolina:

  • HPV vaccination in South Carolina lags behind the United States overall. Half of South Carolina females ages 13-17 years still have not received all HPV vaccine doses to help with the prevention of cervical cancer. Eight out of 10 South Carolina males ages 13-17 years have not received the HPV vaccine.
  • The differences in coverage rates between the adolescent vaccinations of Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) and Meningococcal (meningitis) as compared to HPV show opportunities are being missed to vaccinate boys and girls, leaving them at greater risk of HPV infections that can lead to cancer.
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