January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: What do you need to know?

What the numbers show

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2025, and about 4,320 women will die from the disease. Cervical cancer is most often found in women aged 35 to 64, with age 50 being the average age of diagnosis. More than 20% of cases occur in women over 65, most commonly in those who have not been regularly screened. Moreover, disparities remain: Cervical cancer mortality rates are 65% higher in Native American and Black women, compared with white women.

The power of screening

Routine screening has reduced both cervical cancer incidence and deaths. The Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, can help find cancer early or find changes before cancer develops. The other test used to evaluate for cervical cancer is the HPV test. These tests can be done at the same time or alone.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin screening for cervical cancer at age 25 and continue through age 65. Options include:

• Primary HPV testing every five years by a health care provider (preferred)

• Primary HPV test on a self-collected vaginal sample every three years

• Self-collection should only be done using tests and collection devices approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Co-testing (HPV and Pap) every five years

• Pap test alone if HPV testing is not available

• If other options are unavailable, get a Pap test every three years

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) differs, and the organization recommends a Pap test alone every three years for women 21 to 29 and women 30 to 65, an HPV test every five years or a Pap test every three years or a combined HPV and Pap test every five years.

Prevention: HPV vaccination

The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for preteens at age 11 or 12. Vaccination protects 90% against the HPV types most often linked to female cervical cancer and cancer of the penis in men and back of the throat in men and women.

The vaccine does not treat existing infection, only helps prevent HPV infection, which is why the vaccine should be given before a person becomes exposed to HPV. No vaccine provides complete protection against all cancer-causing types of HPV, so routine cervical cancer screening is still needed. Using condoms during sex and avoiding smoking may lower the risk of HPV.

Signs and symptoms

Cervical cancer often does not cause symptoms until cancer has already invaded tissues surrounding the cervix and/or has spread to other organs, such as those in the pelvis or the lungs and liver. When symptoms occur, they can include:

• Pain during sex or pelvic pain

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding that may occur between menstruation, after sex, or after menopause

• Issues with bowel movements or urination, or blood in the urine

Survival rates

Survival rates for cervical cancer vary widely by stage at diagnosis. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, about 85% of Arizona women diagnosed with localized cervical cancer survive at least five years, about 50% survive five years with regional spread, and about 19% of Arizona women survive five years with distant spread cervical cancer. Overall, 62% of Arizona women have a five-year survival rate across all stages.

The bottom line

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when prevention and screening recommendations are followed. Regular Pap and HPV testing, combined with vaccination and timely follow-up care, offer a powerful defense.