January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. The National Cancer Institute estimates that each year in the United States, over 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die of this cancer. 

The cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). Almost everyone who is sexually active will have HPV at some point. Most HPV infections are harmless. Usually, the immune system clears HPV within a few months. Sometimes HPV infections don’t clear naturally, though. When this happens, women are at risk for cervical cancer.

Fortunately, there are two important tools that can prevent cervical cancer.

Vaccinations Save Lives

Along with screening and early detection, the HPV vaccine is another important tool to prevent cervical cancer. HPV vaccination helps prevent infection from several high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer as well as low-risk types that cause genital warts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all boys and girls get HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only two doses are the vaccine are required. Women and men can get the vaccine up to age 45 but for those 15 and older, a full three-dose series is needed.

Below is a short video about the importance of the HPV vaccine:

Pap Smears are a Key Screening Tool

Pap smears are a safe and effective way to detect cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable. Below are the most current recommendations provided by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Age 21-29: Pap smear every 3 years. 

Age 30-65: 

• Option 1: Pap smear and HPV test every 5 years
• Option 2: Pap smear every 3 years

Age 66 and older: 

• No longer recommended if:
  • Have had regular screenings with normal results for the past 10 years
  • Have had a hysterectomy that removed the cervix

Special Considerations:

• Women with a weakened immune system or a history of cervical cancer may need more frequent screenings. 
• Women who have received the HPV vaccine should still get Pap smears, as the vaccine does not protect against all types of cervical cancer. 
• Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should not get a Pap smear. 

Sadly, 1 in 4 women has not been screened as recommended. Talk to your OB/GYN about your individual risk factors and screening recommendations. If you have any abnormal Pap smear results, follow your doctor’s instructions for follow-up testing. 

ECHO oncology, Dr. Brittany McCall shares, “Fortunately, we have the tools we need to prevent cervical cancer today. It is essential that adolescents are vaccinated for HPV. And it is critical that women get the necessary screenings based on their age and risk.”

For more information on cervical cancer, please visit the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.