Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Governor Stein has issued a proclamation declaring January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Cervical Cancer Awareness focuses on prevention through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screenings (Pap and HPV tests). It is highly treatable when detected early.

HPV is the cause of most cervical cancers. HPV vaccination helps to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 9-12 receive 2 doses of the vaccine and 3 doses if given after age 15. Talk with your health care provider to determine if HPV vaccination is right for your child.

A Pap smear (or Pap test) is used to look for abnormal changes in cervical cells that could develop into cervical cancer. An HPV test looks for the presence of high-risk types of HPV that can cause cell changes in the cervix. Both these tests can be performed by a health care provider. The FDA has recently approved an at-home cervical HPV test, which insurance providers are required to begin covering beginning January 1, 2027. Talk with your health care provider about the best screening test for you. The at-home test does not replace regular gynecologic exams.

The following are the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) cervical cancer screening guidelines.

• If you are younger than 21—You do not need screening.

• If you are 21 to 29— Have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women who are 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred.

• If you are 30 to 65—You can choose one of three options:

  • Have a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years

  • Have a Pap test alone every 3 years

  • Have an HPV test alone every 5 years

• If you are 65 or older—You do not need screening if you have no history of cervical changes and either three negative Pap test results in a row, two negative HPV tests in a row, or two negative co-test results in a row within the past 10 years. The most recent test should have been performed within the past 3 or 5 years, depending on the type of test.

NC Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (NC BCCCP) provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up to eligible women in North Carolina. Further information is available here.