Cervical/uterine cancers

In 2012, an estimated 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the US with approximately 4,200 cervical-cancer-associated deaths, while approximately 47,000 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed in the US with an estimated 8,000 uterine-cancer-associated deaths. Rates are generally declining among women in the US; however, the incidence of cervical cancer remains higher among Hispanic, Black and Asian women. Persistent human papilloma virus infection is regarded as the most important factor contributing to the development of cervical cancer. In the US, uterine cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract. Risk factors for uterine cancer include age ≥55, increased levels of estrogen (triggered by obesity, diabetes or high-fat diet), Lynch syndrome and tamoxifen use.