Video: New device increases cervical cancer survival rate

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This year, more than 11,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Worldwide, the number tops half a million women. One doctor is hoping to improve survival rates with a new device that is already saving lives.

At age 68, Dorothy Smith has no plans to slow down.

"I don't want to stop working. I wouldn't know what to do with myself," said Smith.

Seven years ago, she was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer.

"I said, 'Oh my God. I'm going to die. I can't believe I'm Stage Three.' No symptoms, nothing," said Smith.

She needed a device to deliver internal radiation, but her cancer was so advanced, the standard tool was not an option.

"It's very cumbersome. It causes great discomfort and even pain to the patients," said Dr. Aaron Wolfson, radiation oncologist at the University of Miami.

Wolfson has developed a safer, more effective alternative called Gynocyte.

"It allows us to give a very intense amount of radiation to the tumor with little damage to the nearby and normal tissues," said Wolfson.

The device stays in for three days and is easier to insert.

"You can give enough dose to cure the cancer without harming the patient," said Wolfson.

An x-ray shows the old device, which has a 60 to 70 percent cure rate. The Gynocyte has a 90 percent cure rate.

"The amazing thing about Dorothy is without this device, she had no chance," said Wolfson.

"It was like a blessing," said Smith. "It was a miracle and it was just in time - just for me."

Surviving has changed Smith's outlook.

"You look forward to every day. Every day you wake up, you thank God for another day," said Smith.

And then of course, she gets back to business.

Gynocyte was just FDA approved and doctors and hospitals across the country now have access to the device.