January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, and is almost always linked to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is common, long-lasting infection can cause abnormal cervical cell changes that may progress into cancer if they are not detected early. With modern screening and HPV vaccination, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers worldwide. In the United States, approximately 13,000 new cervical cancer cases and about 4,000 related deaths occur annually according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The lifetime risk for U.S. women is roughly 0.6 percent based on SEER data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The overall five-year survival rate is about 67 percent, and survival rises to more than 90 percent when cervical cancer is detected early and remains localized. Globally, cervical cancer affects an estimated 660,000 women annually and causes more than 350,000 deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The highest mortality rates occur in low-resource regions due to limited access to screening and HPV vaccination programs.
What Causes Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is caused mainly by persistent high-risk HPV infection. HPV spreads through intimate sexual contact. While most HPV infections clear naturally, long-term infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to precancerous cervical cell changes.
Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines for 2026
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends beginning cervical cancer screening at age 25 for people with a cervix at average risk. The preferred screening method for ages 25 through 65 is primary HPV testing every five years. If primary HPV testing is not available, co-testing (HPV test plus Pap test) every five years or Pap testing alone every three years is acceptable. Recent ACS updates and clinical news summaries also highlight the expansion of self-collected HPV samples in approved clinical settings. Screening may end after age 65 for individuals with adequate prior normal results.
Pap and HPV Tests Explained
A Pap test checks for abnormal cervical cells that could become cancerous. The HPV test identifies high-risk HPV strains that cause most cervical cancers. HPV testing is more sensitive and has become the preferred method for early detection. Both tests remain essential tools for prevention and early diagnosis.
Cervical Cancer Test Results
Normal test results mean no signs of abnormal cells. Abnormal or unclear results may require repeat testing, HPV genotyping, or colposcopy. An abnormal test does not mean cancer is present, but it indicates the need for further evaluation following established clinical guidelines.
Ways to Reduce Cervical Cancer Risk
You can reduce cervical cancer risk by receiving the HPV vaccine, practicing safer sex, limiting the number of sexual partners, avoiding smoking, and staying consistent with recommended screening. HPV vaccination is strongly supported by CDC, WHO, and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) due to its effectiveness in preventing high-risk HPV infections.
Scheduling Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening is available at Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center. Most insurance plans cover Pap and HPV tests, and financial support options are available for individuals without insurance.
Call any of our locations to make an appointment in Southeast Wisconsin:
- Pillar Health Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-1700
- KCHC 14th Avenue Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-1688
- KCHC 22nd Avenue Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-0070
- 2nd Street Silver Lake Clinic: (262) 771-1963
- Pillar Health Racine Clinic: (262) 771-0035
Why Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Matters
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month helps raise awareness, increase screening participation, and improve HPV vaccination rates. It also highlights health equity issues, as many cervical cancer deaths occur in communities with limited access to preventive care. Awareness efforts aim to reduce preventable deaths by promoting early detection.
Do not wait to schedule your appointment.
Kenosha Community Health Center has many appointment options in Kenosha and Silver Lake to meet your needs.
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