What to know about cervical cancer and its risk factors

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, observed each January, is a vital initiative to educate the public about cervical cancer, its prevalence, prevention strategies and the importance of early detection through screening. At UHS, we aim to educate patients because it's crucial to have the right information about this disease and know the preventative measures, including the recommended screening protocols, to combat it.

Understanding cervical cancer: Facts and statistics

Cervical cancer arises from the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Globally, it ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, approximately 660,000 new cases were reported worldwide, with about 350,000 deaths attributed to the disease. In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimated in 2024, around 13,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed, and about 4,360 women would succumb to the disease. The American Association for Cancer Research shared that cervical cancer rates have dropped in the United States over the past few decades.

Knowing the risk factors

According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer risk is influenced by several factors, with certain populations facing higher susceptibility. One key risk factor includes infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and while many infections resolve spontaneously, some can lead to cancerous changes in cervical cells. There are multiple other risk factors associated with being at heightened exposure to cervical cancer including smoking and tobacco products, a weakening or compromised immune system, long-term use of contraceptives and family history.

Prevention measures

It is important to know preventative measures to protect yourself and your loved ones to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. One of the best ways to help prevent cervical cancer is to protect yourself against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine has proven to be highly effective as a preventative measure for cervical cancer. As HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, receiving the vaccine is your body’s best line of defense for a cancer diagnosis later in life. The vaccine is approved for individuals aged 9 to 45. Typically, vaccine doses are administered at ages 11 or 12.

Remember, no vaccine provides complete protection against all cancer-causing types of HPV, so a routine cervical cancer screening is still needed.

Screenings can help save lives

Receiving regular screenings can reduce your risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer and are a crucial part of your overall health against other diseases. Screening tests can identify precancerous changes in cervical cells, allowing for timely intervention before cancer develops.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends women aged 21 to 29 undergo a Pap test every three years. The test detects cell changes or precancers that might become cervical cancer if not treated properly. For women aged 30 to 65, there are multiple screening options, including a pap test every three years or a high-risk HPV test every five years. These screening methods are effective in detecting early signs of cervical cancer, facilitating prompt treatment.

For women over the age of 65, screenings may be discontinued if there is a history of adequate prior screenings with normal results and no history of cervical precancer. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to make informed decisions based on individual health history.

Treatment options available after diagnosis

Navigating a cervical cancer diagnosis can be a lot to handle. Knowing your options and surrounding yourself with the right care team can help you when deciding on the right course of treatment. There are multiple options available to patients, so it is important to consult with your doctor about what is appropriate for you.

There are several things you can do to treat a cervical cancer diagnosis. Treatment varies based on the cancer's stage, the patient's overall health and individual preferences. Primary treatment modalities include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

The National Cancer Institute recommends individualized treatment plans tailored around the different factors outlined above. It’s essential to discuss possible side effects of treatment and outcomes with your provider.

There is hope after diagnosis

If found early, the survivability of a cervical cancer diagnosis is about 91%, says the National Cancer Institute. Preventative measures and knowing your risk factors are the biggest indicators to finding cancer early. Survivability with this diagnosis is possible.

UHS is committed to supporting patients who are facing a cancer diagnosis. Our outreach initiatives for patients and families underscore our commitment to holistic and patient-centered care, ensuring that cancer patients have access to the support they need for their health and well-being. All our oncology patients are provided with social workers, nurse navigators and financial advocates to help them work through all the different appointments, treatments and decisions they will need to make after diagnosis.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month presents an opportunity to reinforce the importance of HPV vaccination, regular screening and mitigating your risk factors. By staying informed and being proactive about your health, you can know the signs and address symptoms early on. Consulting with healthcare providers about vaccination and appropriate screening schedules is a crucial step toward safeguarding health.

To speak with a UHS provider today, please visit nyuhs.org.