Pap test

National Cancer Prevention Month: How Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Vaccination Saves Lives

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the preventable causes of cancer and encourage healthy lifestyle choices to reduce cancer risk. When it comes to cervical cancer, the disease can be almost entirely prevented through effective measures such as the HPV vaccination and regular screenings.

Ready for a “wow” moment? According to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is approximately 92% when detected early, compared to just 17% in advanced stages. While the National Cancer Institute notes that prognosis statistics are based on large sample sizes and individual responses to treatment can vary, this stark difference – between early detection versus later – underscores the critical role of prevention in saving lives.

In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month last month, the Prevent Cancer Foundation asked our founder, Tamika Felder, to create a video call to action to educate and empower others about cervical cancer. Check it out, then take a moment to learn about the best ways to prevent the disease.

4 Tips for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Here are some prevention tactics that can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer:

1. HPV Vaccination

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a highly effective way to prevent cervical cancer, protecting against the HPV strains most commonly linked to the disease. Recent research search shows that cervical cancer deaths among young women up to age 25 have dropped significantly since the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the mid-2000s.

The recommended HPV vaccination schedule is as follows:

  • Ages 9–12: The vaccine can be started as early as age 9 and is routinely recommended at ages 11–12.
  • Ages 13–26: If not vaccinated earlier, individuals up to age 26 can receive the vaccine, with a catch-up schedule if needed.
  • Ages 27–45: The vaccine is FDA-approved for adults up to age 45. While the benefit is lower in this age group, those at risk can discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider.

For more information, check out our Partners in Purpose at the National HPV Roundtable. 

2. Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer. This includes:

  • Avoiding Tobacco: Smoking tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke can increase cancer risk.
  • Eating a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber while ensuring adequate calcium intake. Limit processed meats and alcohol consumption.
  • Exercising Regularly: Staying active helps maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can contribute to cancer risk.

Even if you’re a cervical cancer survivor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support overall well-being and help reduce the risk of recurrence. Need motivation? Survivor Slimdown is an online space powered by Cervivor for all cancer survivors of all cancer types. By joining this community, you’ll get monthly fitness and diet challenges, daily motivation, accountability from others, and education from our Certified Wellness Instructor and Cervivor Ambassador, Patti Murillo-Casa.

3. Regular Screening

Regular screening is essential for early detection of cervical cancer. The Pap test and HPV test can help identify abnormal cell changes or HPV infections before they become cancerous. Now, there are even more options like an HPV Self-Collection test.

The current recommended screening guidelines by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) are as follows:

  • Women aged 21 to 29 years: Screen for cervical cancer every 3 years with cytology alone.
  • Women aged 30 to 65 years: Screen for cervical cancer every 3 years with cytology alone, every 5 years with hrHPV testing alone, or every 5 years with cotesting.
  • Women younger than 21 years, women older than 65 years with adequate prior screening, and women who have had a hysterectomy: Do not screen for cervical cancer.

Disclaimer: The guidelines are currently being updated.

4. Diagnostic and Treatment Options

If abnormal cell changes or high-risk HPV infections are detected, there are several diagnostic and treatment options available including:

  • Colposcopy: A procedure that uses a special microscope to examine the cervix for abnormal cell changes.
  • Cryotherapy: A treatment that uses freezing temperatures to destroy abnormal cells.
  • LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure): A procedure that uses a special wire loop to remove abnormal cells.
  • Laser Therapy: A treatment that uses a laser to destroy abnormal cells.

By taking advantage of the prevention and early detection options outlined above, you can significantly reduce your risk of cervical cancer – not just during National Cancer Prevention Month, but all year long.

Join the Mission to Prevent Cervical Cancer

At the heart of cervical cancer prevention and awareness is Cervivor, a global community dedicated to educating and empowering those affected by cervical cancer. But we don’t stop there! Our community includes patients, survivors, loved ones, care teams, policymakers, and more – working together to drive meaningful change in their own backyards and beyond.

LeLisa Arrington educates passersby about cervical cancer prevention.
Dulcely Tavarez discusses cervical cancer prevention with two women at a community event.

One of Cervivor’s key prevention initiatives, #Screen4Me, encourages individuals to prioritize cervical cancer screening and follow-up care, emphasizing that early detection saves lives. The concept behind it? If someone isn’t motivated to get screened for themselves, they’re encouraged to do it for someone who has experienced cervical cancer – as in, “get screened for me.”

Through #Screen4Me, Cervivor provides:

Cervivor is working to close the gap in cervical cancer screening and education, aiming to save lives by detecting cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable. By supporting programs like #Screen4Me, we can work together to create a cervical cancer-free future!

Interested in learning more? Sign up for updates here. Want to help fund our mission to end cervical cancer? All donations are gratefully accepted through our “Tell 20, Give 20” campaign. Find out more!

The Evolution of Cervical Cancer Prevention

Historically, Pap tests have been pivotal in identifying precancerous lesions and enabling early intervention. However, for many years the cause of cervical cancer was unknown. Cervical cancer was often treated differently than other cancers because of the lack of evidence to show the link of what caused it. Scientists shared theories that focused on the virus and a woman’s sexual activity which created a stigma that would continue for years. As medical knowledge advances, so does our understanding of the human papillomavirus (HPV), screening, and vaccination for cervical cancer prevention. Cervivor, Inc. believes in a comprehensive approach that involves embracing new technologies and strategies to enhance early detection and prevention.

Education: A Key Pillar
The organization recognizes the power of knowledge and personal stories in cervical cancer prevention. Education empowers those with a cervix to make informed decisions about their health and to pass that knowledge onto others to do the same. The organization participates in widespread awareness campaigns that not only emphasize the importance of regular screenings but also educate the general public about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), its link to cervical cancer, and the available preventive measures. Would you like to help spread awareness? Check out our social media kit here!

HPV Vaccination: A Game-Changer
Another groundbreaking advancement in cervical cancer prevention is the development of HPV vaccines. Cervivor, Inc. stands firmly behind the importance of screening and vaccination as a primary prevention strategy. By vaccinating young individuals against HPV, we can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. One way we can accomplish this goal is to hold and participate in widespread vaccination campaigns, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all. For more impactful vaccination resources, visit our partners at the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable.

Emotional Support: Nurturing the Whole Person
Cervivor, Inc. understands that cervical cancer prevention goes beyond physical health. We have to treat our whole health and emotional support is a critical component of healing. By addressing the emotional aspects of a cervical cancer diagnosis, Cervivor, Inc. aims to empower patients and survivors alike. The organization provides a safe space for individuals to share their stories and personal experiences that cultivate community and a commitment to the organization’s mission of ending cervical cancer.

Advocacy: Comprehensive Healthcare Policies
Cervivor, Inc. advocates for comprehensive healthcare policies. This includes policies that support widespread HPV vaccination, improve access to screening services, and prioritize emotional well-being in cancer care. The organization actively engages with policymakers to shape a healthcare landscape that prioritizes cervical cancer prevention on multiple fronts.

Founder & Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder moderating the 2024 Cervical Cancer Forum at the White House, Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative

Collaboration: Become Partners in Purpose
Cervivor, Inc. recognizes the value of collaboration in achieving its mission. By partnering with healthcare professionals, researchers, and other advocacy groups, the organization strives to create a unified front against cervical cancer. As lived experience leaders, Cervivor community members serve on guideline development panels, the latest research studies, as advisory board members, and so much more. Together, these collaborative efforts can drive innovation, improve preventive strategies, and provide comprehensive support to those impacted by cervical cancer.

As we move forward in our mission to end cervical cancer, Cervivor, Inc. stands at the forefront, championing the many avenues of cervical cancer prevention. The evolution of cancer prevention tools is exciting and emphasizes the importance of education, vaccination, emotional support, and comprehensive healthcare policies. By addressing cervical cancer from multiple angles, we can create a future where the incidence of this devastating disease is drastically reduced, and the lives of those who have a cervix are safeguarded through a comprehensive and compassionate approach to cervical cancer prevention.