Data were calculated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and were age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population.

National Cancer Institute, State Cancer Profiles, Death Rate Report by State. Available at http://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/deathrates/deathrates.html.

Cervical cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cell changes in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, which opens into the vagina. Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by 10 to 15 high-risk types of a common sexually transmitted virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). In most cases, the virus disappears within two years without symptoms or treatment. In a small percentage of women, however, the virus persists and normal cervical cells gradually change into abnormal, precancerous cells (also called cervical lesions).
NA: Data have been suppressed to ensure confidentiality and stability of rate estimates.