Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Progress, Prevention, & the Path Forward
January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the progress made in preventing this highly preventable disease—and to recommit to it’s elimination. Thanks to advances in vaccination, screening, and public health education, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Yet it continues to impact hundreds of thousands of women worldwide each year, underscoring the importance of sustained prevention efforts.
This blog post explores the science behind cervical cancer, the critical role of prevention, and the steps needed to move closer to a future where cervical cancer no longer poses a threat to public health.
The Burden of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer remains a significant global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths worldwide in 2022, making cervical cancer the fourth most common cancer among women globally. The burden is greatest in low- and middle-income countries, where access to routine screening and HPV vaccination is limited.
In the United States, prevention efforts have made a measurable impact. The widespread use of the Pap test, HPV testing, and the HPV vaccine has led to a more than 50% decline in cervical cancer incidence over the past four decades, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Despite this progress, disparities persist. Individuals with limited access to healthcare—particularly those in rural areas and underserved communities—remain at higher risk. These inequities highlight the need for expanded access to prevention and early detection.
The Role of HPV in Cervical Cancer
Nearly all cervical cancer cases—approximately 99%—are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is extremely common; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that nearly 85% of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives.
In most cases, HPV infections resolve on their own without causing harm. However, when high-risk strains persist, they can lead to abnormal cellular changes that may progress to cervical cancer over time.
The development of the HPV vaccine marked a major breakthrough in cancer prevention. Vaccines such as Gardasil® 9 protect against the HPV types most commonly linked to cervical cancer, including types 16 and 18, which are responsible for the majority of cases. Research has shown that HPV vaccination can reduce cervical cancer rates by up to 90%, making it one of the most effective cancer prevention tools available today.
The Importance of Accurate, Evidence-Based Information
Public trust in prevention tools is essential to continued progress. Extensive research—including large-scale studies involving millions of individuals worldwide—has consistently demonstrated that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and well-tolerated. Ongoing monitoring by the CDC and FDA continues to affirm its strong safety profile.
Ensuring that communities have access to accurate, evidence-based information about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention is critical. Clear communication helps individuals make informed decisions about their health and supports broader public health goals.
The Path Forward
Eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern is achievable—but it requires a sustained focus on three key strategies:
1. Vaccination
Expanding access to the HPV vaccine remains essential. The WHO recommends vaccination between ages 9–12, and in the U.S., vaccination is recommended for both boys and girls at age 9 to reduce the six HPV-related cancers (cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, anal, vaginal & vulvar) across the lifespan.
2. Screening
Routine Pap tests and HPV testing allow for early detection of precancerous changes, when treatment is most effective. New approaches, such as self-collection HPV tests, are improving access to screening, particularly in underserved populations.
3. Education and Awareness
Ongoing education about cervical cancer prevention empowers individuals and communities. Promoting regular healthcare visits, vaccine confidence, and early detection saves lives and helps close long-standing health equity gaps.
A Future Without Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that we already have the tools to prevent this disease. Through continued investment in vaccination, expanded access to screening, and evidence-based education, we can move closer to eliminating cervical cancer altogether.
By working together—healthcare providers, public health organizations, advocates, and communities—we can create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis, but a preventable chapter in history.
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