You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer — here are ways to protect yourself
Learn how screenings and vaccinations can help prevent cervical cancer and lower your risk
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. In the United States, each year, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed. It is the only gynecologic cancer that can be found early through screening tests when treatment is most effective. Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, so take some time right now to understand your risk factors and learn which screenings and vaccinations can help protect you.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb). It connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cervix cells go through changes where abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue.
Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in people over age 30.
HPV, also called human papillomavirus infection, causes almost all cervical cancers. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. It is a virus that is passed through intimate skin-skin contact.
Routine cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination, and appropriate follow-up treatment when needed can prevent most cervical cancers.
Causes and risk factors: Long-term HPV infections
At least half of sexually active people will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections go away on their own. These short-term infections do not cause cancer. But some infections don’t clear up quickly. When a high-risk HPV infection lasts for years, it can lead to changes in the cervical cells, resulting in a precancerous lesion or new skin growth. These skin growths are not cancer but could become cervical cancer over time if not found and removed.
Learn more about how HPV causes cervical and other cancers on the HPV and Cancer page (National Cancer Institute). This Cancer Health Equity Now episode focuses on cervical cancer, the role of HPV, overcoming screening barriers, and the importance of the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program in increasing access to screening and care.
To reduce your risk, get your cervix checked
If you have a cervix, screening for cervical cancer is an important part of routine health care. Getting regular screening tests and going back to the doctor if your screening results aren’t typical are the most important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer.
Two screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early: the Pap (or Pap smear) test and the HPV test. Depending on your age, your doctor may recommend you have a Pap test, an HPV, or both together. Both tests can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Talk to your provider about what’s right for you.
You can get free or low-cost cervical cancer screening tests
In Washington, if you have limited income and no health insurance or health insurance that doesn’t cover cervical cancer screening, you may get free screening tests through the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program (BCCHP). BCCHP provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to qualifying people in our state. Screenings are free regardless of a person’s residential status. Households with an income at or below 250% the federal poverty level are eligible. In 2023, a household of four with an income of $75,000 or below may get free screens through the program. These numbers are updated every year. Find out if you are eligible.
HPV vaccines: Who should get it?
Getting vaccinated against HPV is important because it prevents infections that can cause cancer. The HPV vaccine is the best way to protect young adults against six types of cancer. But only about 50% of young women and about 20% of young men have gotten the HPV vaccine. The Washington State Department of Health recommends HPV vaccination for:
- All preteens (all genders) starting at age 9.
- Everyone 26 years old or younger, if not vaccinated already.
Some adults aged 27 to 45 years who aren’t already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their provider.
More ways to help prevent cervical cancer
- If you’re 26 or younger, get the HPV vaccine if you haven’t been vaccinated already.
- Don’t smoke.
- Use condoms during sex. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, using condoms is associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.
Stay engaged
Remember, cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if caught early.
- How much do you know about cervical cancer? Take this quiz to find out. (CDC)
- Know how to protect yourself from cervical cancer. (CDC)
- Jasmine’s Story: Preventing Cervical Cancer (CDC)
- Transmasculine individuals can find an LGBTQIA2S+-welcoming provider in their area.
