This can be attributed in large part to earlier diagnosis of precancerous lesions by the Pap smear.
Cervical cancer is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in women.
Most of these deaths occur in women who have never had a Pap smear. Early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions are critical. While the disease process is fatal if left untreated, early detection increases the chances for survival. There is a direct relationship between the use of the Pap smear as a routine screening tool and the reduction of the incidence of cervical cancer. Recently, a series of articles in the popular press as well as evening news shows have questioned the accuracy and reliability of the Pap smear.