What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers, especially when clinicians detect it early. January marks Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a disease that affects thousands of people each year.
When you understand the symptoms, prioritize regular screenings, and take preventive steps, you take control of your health. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and proactive.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The human papillomavirus, or HPV, causes most cases. HPV spreads through sexual contact and remains extremely common.
The American Cancer Society estimates that clinicians diagnosed about 13,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer in the United States in 2025, with about 4,000 people dying from the disease. Screening has driven those numbers down over time, but gaps persist, especially among people who miss routine care.
Recognize the Symptoms
Early-stage cervical cancer rarely causes symptoms, which makes regular checkups essential. When symptoms appear, they often resemble other common conditions. Take them seriously, especially when they persist or feel unusual for you.
Common symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Some people experience bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause.
- Unusual discharge: Watery, bloody, or heavy discharge may appear and may carry a strong odor.
- Pelvic pain: Ongoing pain during intercourse or unexplained pelvic discomfort can signal a problem.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider promptly. Other conditions can cause similar signs, but timely evaluation helps clinicians rule out serious concerns.
The Power of Screening
Screening serves as your strongest defense against cervical cancer. Clinicians use screening to identify cell changes long before cancer develops. Two tests play a central role:
- The Pap test (Pap smear): Clinicians use it to detect precancerous changes in cervical cells that could develop into cancer if left untreated.
- The HPV test: The HPV test detects the virus responsible for these cervical cell changes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most people begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. Many clinicians advise a Pap test every three years, or HPV and Pap co-testing every five years starting at age 30, depending on individual risk factors.
A Newer Option: Self-Collection for HPV Testing
Many people face barriers to in-office screening. Self-collected vaginal samples for HPV testing offer one solution for some average-risk adults in appropriate settings.
In January 2026, updated US preventive guidance expanded access by recognizing FDA-approved self-collection options for HPV testing. These options help reduce barriers for people who avoid pelvic exams in clinical settings.
Ask your clinician whether self-collection is appropriate for your age and risk profile, and whether your clinic offers this option.
What Happens if a Screening Test Is Abnormal?
An abnormal screening result does not automatically mean cancer.
Clinicians often recommend one or more follow-up steps, including:
- Repeat testing at shorter intervals
- HPV typing to identify high-risk strains
- Colposcopy for a closer examination of the cervix
- Biopsy to confirm findings with a tissue sample
Clinicians aim to find changes early, treat them promptly, and prevent cancer from developing.
Steps for Cervical Cancer Prevention:
Prevention requires more than a single annual visit. You can reduce your risk by taking these proactive steps.
Get Regular Screenings
HPV causes most cervical cancers, and vaccination and screening together offer powerful protection. If you’re overdue, schedule a cervical screening appointment now.
Get the HPV Vaccination if You’re Eligible
- Routine vaccination at ages 11 or 12, with the option to start at age 9
- Catch-up vaccination through age 26 for those not adequately vaccinated
- Shared decision-making for adults ages 27 to 45, since benefits vary
Follow Through After Abnormal Results
The most significant risk often comes after the test, not before. People who miss follow-up care can lose the chance to treat precancer early. If you get an abnormal result, set the next appointment before you leave the office, and put reminders where you’ll actually see them.
Practice Safe Habits
Vaccines and screening do the heavy lifting, but lifestyle choices also matter:
- Limit partners: Fewer sexual partners reduce HPV exposure risk.
- Use protection: Condoms reduce the risk of HPV transmission, though they do not eliminate it.
- Quit smoking: Smoking weakens immune defenses and reduces the body’s ability to clear HPV infections.
Practical Ways to Make Screening Easier
If screening feels stressful, expensive, or uncomfortable, try these strategies:
- Ask clinicians to explain each step before the exam begins.
- Request a smaller speculum if you’ve experienced discomfort in the past.
- Bring a support person if your clinic allows it.
- Schedule appointments when you feel rested and well.
- Use support programs such as the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which helps eligible people with low income or limited insurance access to screening.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Cervical health deserves attention throughout the year, but January provides a clear moment to take action. If you need screening or have questions about the HPV vaccine, call your provider today. Early detection saves lives, and prevention remains one of the most effective tools in modern medicine.
Schedule an appointment with the cancer specialists at Vail Health Shaw Cancer Center for screening, high-quality care, and compassionate support.
