May is Women’s Health Month—a time to spotlight the importance of preventive care and empower women to take charge of their well-being. This year, it’s especially important to raise awareness about a growing concern: fewer women are getting screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives, and while many infections clear on their own, some types of HPV can lead to cancer. In women, HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, as well as many vaginal and vulvar cancers. It also causes anal, throat, and penile cancers—affecting people of all genders. Regular cervical cancer screenings and timely HPV vaccination remain our strongest tools to prevent these cancers.
The Cervical Cancer Screening Gap
Recent data, especially post-pandemic, show a troubling decline in cervical cancer screenings. Papanicolaou tests, known more commonly as Pap tests, are vital for detecting early changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer. Yet barriers like limited access to care, lack of awareness, and stigma around gynecological exams continue to keep women from getting screened. These delays can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention.
The HPV Vaccine – A Critical Line of Defense
The good news? There’s a safe, effective vaccine that prevents the most harmful strains of HPV. The HPV vaccine has been rigorously studied and monitored for years, and it’s a proven way to stop cancer before it starts. Approved in 2006, the HPV vaccine has been in use for nearly two decades, underscoring its long-standing safety and effectiveness.
New clinical research underscores just how powerful this prevention tool is. A 2024 study published in JAMA found a 62% reduction in cervical cancer mortality among U.S. women under 25 between 2013 and 2021, with the steepest decline occurring after 2015. These women were among the first to benefit from widespread HPV vaccination, and researchers credit the vaccine for this sharp drop in deaths. This is a clear, measurable sign that HPV vaccines are saving lives.
Still, myths persist. Some believe the vaccine encourages sexual activity—research shows it doesn’t. Others think it’s too late to get vaccinated if someone is already sexually active. In reality, the vaccine still protects against strains a person hasn’t encountered.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine and When
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys starting at ages 9 to 12, with catch-up doses available through age 26. The earlier the vaccine is given, the more effective it is—ideally before any exposure to the virus. Adults ages 27 to 45 should talk with their healthcare provider about whether vaccination makes sense for them.
Take Action for Your Health or a Loved One’s
Women’s Health Month is an important reminder to schedule a check-up or encourage someone you care about to get screened or vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider, learn about your options, and take proactive steps toward cancer prevention.
For more information, visit:
- CDC HPV Vaccine Information
- National Cervical Cancer Coalition
- Your local health department or clinic
Cervical cancer is preventable, and the HPV vaccine offers a powerful shield. Let’s use Women’s Health Month to raise awareness, dispel myths, and promote action. A simple conversation or appointment could be the step that protects someone’s future.
References
Borders, T. F., & Wiggins, A. T. (2024). Cervical cancer screening rates among rural and urban females, from 2019 to 2022. JAMA Network Open, 7(6), e2417094-e2417094. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.17094
Brouwer, A. F., Delinger, R. L., Eisenberg, M. C., Campredon, L. P., Walline, H. M., Carey, T. E., & Meza, R. (2019). HPV vaccination has not increased sexual activity or accelerated sexual debut in a college-aged cohort of men and women. BMC public health, 19(1), 821. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7134-1
Dorali P, Damgacioglu H, Clarke MA, et al. (2024). Cervical Cancer Mortality Among U.S. Women Younger Than 25 Years, 1992-2021. JAMA. 333(2):165–166. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.22169
