Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Get screened

According to the National Cancer Institute, cervical cancer is often preventable, yet an estimated 13,820 women in the United States were predicted to be diagnosed with it in 2024. 

Dr. Mildred Ridgway, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, emphasized the critical role of prevention in women’s health. “The importance of cervical cancer screening with routine Pap smears, along with HPV vaccination, cannot be overstated. HPV vaccination is incredibly effective in reducing both cervical cancers and precancers, resulting in saving lives. Women should prioritize their preventive gynecological health by ensuring they do both,” she said.

In December, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released draft recommendations for cervical cancer screening. The USPSTF recommends screening for cervical cancer every three years with cervical cytology alone in women ages 21 to 29 years and then every five years with clinician-collected high-risk HPV primary screening in women ages 30 to 65 years.

As an alternative to HPV primary screening for women ages 30 to 65 years, the USPSTF recommends continued screening every 3 years with cervical cytology alone or screening every 5 years with high-risk HPV testing in combination with cytology (cotesting).