HCHC January Spotlight: Cervical Cancer Month

• Cervical cancer is caused mainly by the HPV virus, which spreads through intimate contact
• Most cases can be prevented with regular screenings (Pap tests) and the HPV vaccine
• Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, taking the lives of 350,000 women in 2022 only
• The disease is also preventable and curable with proper screenings and early intervention – cervical cancer is highly treatable

When To Get Screened

• There are 2 types of screening tests that can be done to detect and prevent cervical cancer:
  • The HPV test checks for the human papillomavirus, which can cause changes in cervical cells.
  • The Pap test looks for abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix that could develop into cervical cancer if not treated
• Age 21–29: 🎂 On your 21st birthday, schedule your first Pap test! If your results are normal, you’ll only need a follow-up every 3 years.
• Age 30–65: 🔍 Time for Pap AND/OR HPV tests! Most people can screen every 5 years if results are normal, your provider will guide you.
• Age 65+: 🎉 You may be able to stop screening if you’ve had normal results for the past 10 years and no history of cervical precancer. Always confirm with your doctor.

Steps To Prevention:

The HPV vaccine helps protect you from the virus that can cause cervical and other cancers.

• When to get it: The best time is ages 11–12, but you can start as early as 9.
• Who should get it: Anyone up to age 26 if you haven’t been vaccinated yet.
• Older than 26? If you’re older than 26, talk to your doctor. It might still help, but the benefit is smaller because many people have already been exposed to HPV.
• How many doses?
  • Start before 15: 2 shots (6–12 months apart).
  • Start after 15: 3 shots.

Important: The vaccine prevents new HPV infections. It doesn’t treat ones you already have. So even if you’re vaccinated, you still need regular cervical cancer screenings.

How to Get Started