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Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is cervical cancer awareness month. The theme for 2025 is empowering prevention and early detection. Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer worldwide. According to the CDC, there are 11,500 new cases diagnosed and 4000 deaths each year in the United States. The good news is that it is preventable through a combination of vaccinations, regular screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices.

  1. Vaccinations—The Human Papillomavirus infection causes almost all of the cervical cancer cases. The virus is spread through sexual contact. The HPV vaccine is a series of injections that protect against the virus. Gardasil 9 is the most effective vaccine. It is the only one available since 2017. Its predecessors, Gardasil and Cervarex, did not cover some of the strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancers. They are no longer available. Gardasil 9 protects against strains # 16 and 18, which contribute to 70% of cervical cancers, and strains 31,33,45,52 and 28, which contribute to 20% of cervical cancers. It also works against HPV6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts. Gardasil 9 is most effective when administered between ages 9 and 14, ideally before sexual activity begins. It is recommended for both boys and girls.
  2. Screenings – Pap smears detect precancerous changes in cervical cells. It is recommended to have one every 3 years for women aged 21-65 unless there are abnormal findings. An HPV-DNA Test identifies high-risk HPV strains. Women over 30 should combine this test with a pap smear every 5 years for a more comprehensive screening process.
  3. Lifestyle –
  • Avoid smoking. Smoking damages cervical cells and weakens the immune system.
  • Practice safe sex by using a barrier method such as condoms.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene to decrease the likelihood of infections.
  • Maintain good nutrition with a diet like the Mediterranean diet to enhance the microbiome, decrease inflammation, and improve the immune system.

For more information, schedule a consultation with one of our expert and caring obstetrics and gynecology team members at the Palo Pinto General Hospital Women’s Health Center.