Vaccine, better testing is leading to fewer deaths from cervical cancer KMGH-TV and last updated 2021-01-22 12:28:48-05 This article is the part of a monthly series of stories focused on cancer issues. Denver7 is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society, Cancer Support Community, Colorado Cancer Coalition and Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONE to bring you these stories, tips and resources. DENVER â Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test. Cervical cancer occurs when cancer cells appear in the cervix, the connection between the uterus and vagina. The two most common types of cervical cancer are squamous cell, which occurs in the cells that line the cervix, and adenocarcinoma, which occurs in the cells that make mucus and other fluids. Pap tests can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find cervical cancer early â when it's small and easier to cure. The American Cancer Society recommends that routine Pap smear tests begin at age 21 years old and be repeated every few years.