Vaccination and Regular Screenings Offer Best Protection Against Cervical Cancer

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
STAFF REPORT
Published on Jan 21, 2025

According to health experts, regular screening among women is crucial for prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 13,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2024, and about 4,360 women are estimated to have died from this disease.

Despite these daunting statistics, it’s important to know that cervical cancer can be largely prevented and cured if diagnosed early. Cervical cancer primarily affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Here are some key points about its causes:

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: The most significant cause of cervical cancer is a long-term infection with high-risk types of HPV, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers.
2. Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or those taking immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk.
3. Smoking: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
4. Reproductive Factors: Multiple sexual partners and early age of sexual intercourse (younger than 18) increases the risk of becoming infected with HPV.
5. DES Exposure: Having a mother who took a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy between 1940 and 1971. However, this is now considered a rare cause.

“Although one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer is to get the HPV vaccine, it’s equally important to get screened for cervical cancer,” said Dr. Jennifer Aguayo, assistant chief of service for the OB/Gyn Department at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. “Early detection of precancerous changes to the cervix through screening can reduce the risk of cervical cancer and prevent complications.”

The mainstay of screening involves cervical cytology (known as the “pap” test) and/or HPV screening depending on age and risk factors. Regardless of the type of cervical cancer screening you obtain, it’s important to stay on schedule.

Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer at age 21. Here are the general guidelines for screening:

• Ages 21 to 29: Get a Pap test every three years if the results are normal.
• Ages 30 to 65: These are the options your doctor may recommend:

  1. An HPV test every 5 years if the results are normal.
  2. Co-testing (HPV test and Pap test together) every 5 years if both results are normal.
  3. A Pap test alone every 3 years if the results are normal.
  4. Over 65: You may stop screening if you’ve had regular screenings with normal results for the past 10 years and no history of precancerous conditions.

“Regular screening is crucial for prevention of cervical cancer and early detection,” Dr. Aguayo said. “More frequent screening is recommended based on your prior results. It’s important to talk to your doctor, understand your recommended screening schedule, and stay on track.”

Getting screened is especially important for certain groups from historically underserved populations. According to the American Cancer Society, Hispanic women have the highest incidence rate of cervical cancer, followed by non-Hispanic Black women. In addition, Black women are more likely to die from the disease than women of other racial or ethnic groups due to racial and socioeconomic disparities in cervical cancer screening.

“Because no current treatment is available to clear HPV, which causes more than 99% of cervical cancers, getting vaccinated is critically important,” Dr. Aguayo noted. “At Kaiser Permanente, we recommend that children obtain the HPV vaccine starting as early as age nine and ideally ensure vaccination by age 13. Young adults through age 26 can still obtain the vaccine. If you’re older than 26 and have not been vaccinated, talk to your doctor about whether an HPV vaccine would still benefit you as the vaccine is now approved for people through age 45, and recommended if you have been treated for precancer of the cervix.”

Finally, the three simple things you can do to prevent cervical cancer are get vaccinated, get screened and contact your health care team with any concerns about cervical cancer screening.

Kaiser Permanente offers valuable information about cervical cancer, screening and prevention

Additional information on cervical cancer can also be obtained from the American College of OB/GYNs, including frequently asked questions.

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