Worldwide nearly 500,000 woman are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with half of those women dying.

Medical experts say cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because screening tests and vaccines to prevent HPV infections are available.

However, experts say roughly 15,000 women are still diagnosed with the cancer in the United States, and that's why they say it's crucial to get a pap smear once a year.

"It's preventable and now particularly with the HPV Vaccine, Hopefully down the road, it will be something of the past like Polio," says Dr. John McBroom, a Gyn Oncologist.

Doctor McBroom says if you are having abnormal bleeding or excessive discharge between periods or after intercourse, you should see your physician as soon as possible.

Doctor McBroom says if caught early, the cancer is highly curable through a small surgical procedure.