Women carry so much: families, careers, relationships, responsibilities. It is easy to move your own health to the bottom of the list. But your well-being is not optional. It is the foundation for everything and everyone you care for.
Cervical cancer is a powerful reminder of why preventive care matters. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2025, and about 4,320 women will die from the disease. Yet cervical cancer is often preventable, and when found early, it is highly treatable.
This is about more than a test. It is about prioritizing your life and your future.
Why screening matters, even when you feel fine
Cervical cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. Most women feel completely normal. That is why waiting until something feels “wrong” can mean the disease has already spread.
Screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, help detect changes before cancer develops or while it is still highly treatable. The widespread use of Pap testing has already led to major improvements in early detection.
Current national recommendations include:
- Ages 21–29: cervical cytology (Pap smear alone) every 3 years
- Ages 30–65: one of the following
- Pap smear alone every 3 years
- primary HPV test alone every 5 years
- co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years
(Screening recommendations are currently being reviewed by the USPSTF; your provider will guide you based on the latest guidelines and your history.)
More than 20% of cervical cancers are diagnosed in women over 65, but these cases usually occur in women who were not screened regularly before age 65. If you are approaching or past this age, it is important to talk with your provider before stopping screening.
You don’t have to remember all of this. You just have to make the appointment. Your provider will help you navigate the rest.
Understanding risk and giving yourself the best chance
Cervical cancer can occur at many ages, but it is most often diagnosed between 35 and 64 years old. Native American and Black women face significantly higher cervical cancer death rates in the U.S.
There are risk factors you cannot change, such as family history or exposure to certain medications in the womb. But there are also steps you can take today to reduce risk:
- get recommended cervical screenings
- get the HPV vaccine if eligible
- avoid smoking
- use condoms
- limit exposure to HPV through sexual partners
According to the CDC, about 13 million Americans become infected with HPV each year. Among vaccinated women, cervical precancers caused by the highest-risk HPV types have dropped by 40%, showing how powerful prevention can be.
If you are a parent or caregiver, talk with your child’s provider about HPV vaccination. Protection now can prevent cancer later.
Symptoms to pay attention to
Many women have no symptoms early on, but more advanced disease may cause:
- pain during sex
- pelvic pain
- abnormal discharge
- bleeding between periods
- bleeding after menopause
More advanced warning signs may include swollen legs, blood in urine, or bowel and bladder changes.
These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but they are signals your body deserves to be heard. Reach out to your provider so you can be evaluated and supported.
Why early diagnosis changes everything
When cervical cancer is found early and remains localized, the five-year survival rate is about 91%. When it has spread regionally, survival is about 62%. When it has spread to distant organs, survival drops to 19%.
These numbers are not meant to create fear, but to highlight hope. Screening finds cancer earlier, when treatment is most effective, and life has more room to continue forward.
You deserve care that truly partners with you
Your health journey is personal. It deserves compassion, respect, and a strong Patient-Provider relationship. At HMG, we are committed to being your Health Partner for Life, providing quality care that exceeds expectations, and going the extra mile to support you in every season of life.
As an OBGYN, I want to empower women with knowledge, access, and encouragement to take the next step in caring for themselves.
If it has been a while since your last Pap test, HPV screening, or annual exam, consider this your gentle reminder:
Your life matters. Your future matters. And your health deserves to be a priority.
Schedule your visit today. For yourself, for the people you love, and for the years ahead.
