January is Cervical Health Awareness Month – a time to spotlight important facts about cervical health, especially Human Papillomavirus (HPV). According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 14,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2024, and about 4,400 women died from the disease, which is most often caused by HPV.
Despite these daunting statistics, it’s often overlooked that cervical cancer can be largely prevented and cured if diagnosed early. Cervical cancer primarily affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.
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.
Despite the common misconception that the HPV vaccine is primarily administered to protect against sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, it’s often overlooked that it also provides powerful protection against cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine offers the best way to prevent cervical cancer, but it’s also critical for women to get screened for this disease. When precancerous changes to the cervix are detected early through regular screening, it reduces the risk of cervical cancer and prevent complications.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
The following factors contribute to a diagnosis of cervical cancer:
· 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.
· Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or those taking immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk.
· Smoking: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.
· Reproductive Factors: Multiple sexual partners and early age of sexual intercourse (particularly before 18) increase the risk of becoming infected with HPV.
Cervical cancer screening is often done through a pap test and/or HPV screening depending on age and risk factors. Regardless of the type of cervical cancer screening, it's important to stay on schedule. Vaccination and regular screenings will help prevent cervical cancer. In fact, at Kaiser Permanente, we’re proud that our cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination rates are in the top 10% nationally.
Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer at age 21. Getting screened is especially important for certain groups from historically under-served populations.
Consider three simple reminders to help prevent cervical cancer: get vaccinated, get screened, and don’t hesitate to see your doctor if you have concerns about cervical cancer or are experiencing any symptoms.
More information is available to everyone at kp.org/cervicalcancer as well as frequently asked questions on the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists site at acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer.