Without reproductive rights, women's health in the United States is at risk of plummeting at dangerous rates.

According to an article in the journal of Cancer, researchers have discovered that black women in the United States are dying from cervical cancer at a rate 77% higher than once thought. Also, white women are dying at a rate 47% higher than originally believed.

If this isn't alarming, then consider this: a woman dies of cervical cancer almost once every two hours in the United States.

Even more alarming is that research has found that a large number of the women dying from cervical cancer are actually over the age of 65. One of the possible reasons is that there isn't as much emphasis on screening women over 65 as there is for younger women.

USA Today reports that these numbers can be prevented with proper screening.

"No woman should die of cervical cancer," Moore said in a statement. "The information released today indicates that women of color experience cervical cancer at higher rates than Caucasian women, bringing to light the importance of increased education, outreach and support to ensure that HPV infections and precancerous cervical lesions are identified and treated early.

It is important for women of all ages to follow-up with their physicians and request pap-smears to screen for HPV infections and precancerous cervical lesions. If you are in the United States, please learn more about how you can take your health into your hands by visiting the CAP Foundation.

[Source: New York Times / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]