This is a sub-category of cancer (see Map 7 All cancer deaths).

See also Map 59 Ovarian cancer, Map 62 Breast cancer and Map 76 Other uterine cancer.

The prominent cluster of high SMRs is seen in a belt stretching across the north of England from Merseyside in the west across to Grimsby in the east. There are high rates in parts of Scotland and south Wales. Rates are very low, apart from in central London, south of a line extending from the Bristol Channel to the Wash.

Cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix, affects the lower, narrow portion of the uterus. The early stage of this cancer is usually asymptomatic but it is detectable by examining cells removed from the cervix via a cervical smear, also known as a pap smear.

Women who have been exposed to some sexually transmitted strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are at increased risk of cervical cancer. These strains are responsible for the large majority of cervical cancers. Human papillomaviruses cause warts but infection may occur without warts being noticed. Other risk factors include smoking, HIV infection, chlamydia infection, dietary factors, hormonal contraception, multiple pregnancies and a family history of cervical cancer.

The NHS introduced a national screening programme for cervical cancer in 1988. Under this programme all women aged between 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test every three to five years. Routine HPV vaccination was introduced in the UK from September 2008 for girls aged 12–13 as part of a national immunisation programme.

Over the 24 years covered by this atlas, the number of women dying from cervical cancer has halved.

First Lady of Argentina Eva Peron died from this cause.