Protecting Against Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know This January

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a disease that claims over 4,000 lives and diagnoses 11,500 new cases annually (CDC, 2024). Yet, cervical cancer is largely preventable through screening, early intervention, and vaccination.

What is Cervical Cancer? How is it detected?

Cervical cancer starts when normal cells in the cervix - located at the junction of the uterus and vagina - begin to change over time.

To check for cervical cancer or precancerous cells, your doctor uses a vaginal speculum to gently examine the cervix. This is done during a Pap test, which screens for abnormal cells and can also detect HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a key cause of cervical cancer.

How often should you be screened?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends starting cervical cancer screening at age 21. Pap tests should be done every 3 years, and from age 30, the interval can extend to every 5 years if co-testing for high-risk HPV is included. Screening generally stops at age 65.

Special populations like those who have had hysterectomies should speak to their healthcare provider about the ongoing necessity of Pap tests.

The role of the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine helps prevent infection with the virus, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer. It is recommended for individuals aged 9 to 26, ideally before sexual activity begins, as HPV is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact.

For further resources: 

• National Cervical Cancer Coalition: https://www.nccc-online.org/cervical-health-awareness-month/
• Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/index.html