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.

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!

Celebrate 20 Years of Empowerment with Cervivor 

Join the “Tell 20, Give 20” Campaign and 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit

As Cervivor, Inc. gears up to celebrate 20 remarkable years of advocating for cervical cancer awareness, we are thrilled about these two pivotal initiatives: the “Tell 20, Give 20” campaign and the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit. These events mark our commitment to eliminating cervical cancer and offer you the opportunity to share vital information and contribute to our mission.


The Tell 20, Give 20 Campaign

In tandem with our 20th-anniversary celebrations, Cervivor is proud to launch the “Tell 20, Give 20” campaign. This initiative is a cornerstone of our efforts to amplify awareness and secure the necessary funds to continue our vital work in combating cervical cancer. By participating in this campaign, you become an essential part of a movement dedicated to saving lives and empowering women everywhere.

Why Tell 20?

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers thanks to advancements in screening and vaccination. However, awareness and education are crucial in ensuring that every woman has access to the information and resources she needs to protect her health.

By participating in the Tell 20 initiative, you commit to sharing Cervivor’s resources and information with 20 friends, family members, or social media followers. Here’s how your efforts can make a difference:

  • Raise Awareness: Educate your network about the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings and prevention methods.
  • Educate Others: Inform your community about the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures associated with cervical cancer.
  • Support the Community: Provide encouragement and resources to patients, survivors, and those currently battling cervical cancer.

Why Give 20?

To honor our 20th year, we invite everyone to consider making a $20 donation to Cervivor. Your contribution will enable us to:

  • Provide Educational Resources and Support: Through our Comfort Care and Compassion Program, we offer specially curated tote bags for those newly diagnosed or undergoing treatment, greeting cards for any occasion, and milestone lapel pins to celebrate survivorship.
  • Advance Advocacy and Awareness Initiatives: Programs like Cervivor Cares bridge the gap between our flagship events and active advocacy, ensuring continuous support and outreach.
  • Empower Through Community Programs: Initiatives such as the Cervical Cancer Summit, Cervical Cancer Patient Advocacy Retreat for Communities of Color, and Cervivor School empower patients, survivors, and caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need.

Join Us at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit

From January 23-26, 2025, Washington, D.C. will be the epicenter of empowerment, education, and community as Cervivor, Inc. hosts the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit. This milestone event celebrates 20 years of progress and sets the stage for future advancements in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

Why Attend the Summit?

  • Empowerment Through Connection: Engage with patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates to build a supportive network.
  • Educational Excellence: Gain insights from leading healthcare professionals and researchers on the latest advancements in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Collaborative Innovation: Connect with experts to develop more patient-centric approaches in healthcare.
  • Honoring Progress: Reflect on 20 years of achievements in awareness, research, and support for those affected by cervical cancer.
  • Inspiring Action: Ignite a new era of hope, resilience, and collective effort to eliminate cervical cancer.

Whether you join us in person in Washington, D.C., or participate virtually from anywhere in the world, your involvement will strengthen our community and propel us closer to our mission of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. Register Here


Real Stories, Real Impact

Hearing from those who have benefited from Cervivor’s programs can inspire and motivate others to join the cause. Here are some heartfelt testimonials from our community:

Nymphia’s Journey: No Cervivor Fights Alone 

“I was in my feelings about the scans I was having and felt like my anxiety was at an all-time high and I received this care package from Cervivor and I was reminded that I am not alone in this walk. Thank you for always reminding me that I’m never alone on this journey.”
Nymphia, Cervivor Recurrent Patient

Janet’s Diagnosis: Finding A Life Changing Support 

“I’m so grateful for this group and the outpouring of support.”
Janet T., Cervivor Community Member 

Gabrielle’s Legacy: Empowering Future Generations

“Cervivor has empowered me to transform my journey as a cancer patient into a mission to change the world. It has given me a sisterhood, the knowledge, the platform, and the voice to share my story and to turn my experience into a lifesaving force of hope and awareness.”
Gabrielle S., Cervivor Community Member


How to Participate

Engaging with the Tell 20, Give 20 campaign and attending the Cervical Cancer Summit are simple yet powerful ways to contribute toward our mission to end cervical cancer. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Attend the Summit

Join us at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit to connect, learn, and celebrate our collective achievements. Whether you attend in person in Washington, D.C., or participate virtually, your involvement will strengthen our community and propel us closer to our mission of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. Register Here

2. Tell 20 People

  • Share Information: Use our social media toolkit with pre-written posts to effortlessly spread the word.
  • Start Conversations: Engage your friends and family in discussions about cervical cancer prevention and the importance of regular screenings.
  • Host Informational Sessions: Whether in person or virtually, educate your community about the resources available through Cervivor.

3. Give 20 Dollars

  • Donate Online: Visit our Tell 20, Give 20 donation page to make your $20 contribution.
  • Support Programs: Your donation directly funds our Comfort Care and Compassion Program, Cervivor Cares, and our community empowerment initiatives.
  • Join Fundraising Events: Participate in or organize events that support our mission and encourage others to donate.

4. Share Your Support

  • Use the Hashtag: Tag us on social media with #Tell20Give20 to showcase your involvement and inspire others.
  • Highlight Your Story: Share your personal experiences with Cervivor or why you’re passionate about ending cervical cancer.
  • Engage Your Network: Encourage others to join the campaign by highlighting the impact of their participation.

5. Get Screened and Vaccinated

  • Lead by Example: Ensure you are up-to-date with your own cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations.
  • Encourage Others: Motivate the women in your life to prioritize their health by scheduling regular screenings and considering vaccination.

The Impact of Your Support

By participating in the Tell 20, Give 20 campaign and attending the Cervical Cancer Summit, you are making a tangible difference in the fight against cervical cancer. Your support can achieve:

  • Increased Awareness: Educated communities take proactive steps in health measures, reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.
  • Enhanced Access to Healthcare: Donations help fund clinics and outreach programs that provide essential services to underserved populations.
  • Advancements in Research: Contributions support ongoing research to develop more effective treatments and potential cures for cervical cancer.
  • Empowered Women: Knowledge and resources enable women to take control of their health, leading to longer, healthier lives.

Join the Mission Today!

As we kick off 2025, we invite you to help Cervivor raise awareness and funds to combat cervical cancer. Together, we can work towards the 2030 elimination goal, creating a future where no one faces cervical cancer alone.

Take Action Now:

  • Attend the Summit: Register for the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit
  • Tell 20: Share information about cervical cancer prevention and the importance of screenings with at least 20 people.
  • Give 20: Donate $20 to support vital programs combating cervical cancer. Donate Here
  • Share Your Support: Use the hashtag #Tell20Give20 on social media to spread the word and inspire others.

Together, we can create a future where every woman has the knowledge and resources to prevent cervical cancer. Join the Tell 20, Give 20 campaign and attend the Cervical Cancer Summit today to be part of this life-saving mission.

Let’s spread awareness, save lives, and build a healthier tomorrow. Your voice and generosity can make all the difference.


For more information on cervical cancer prevention and resources, visit www.cervivor.org.

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