Cervical Cancer Screening

Published January 2025

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and is a great time to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.

Each year in the United States, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die of this highly preventable cancer.¹ Providers can use this time to talk to Members about the importance of screening, vaccination, and early detection to prevent cervical cancer. Below is a general framework recommended by the CDC that may help the discussion:

Be proactive

Introduce the topic of cervical cancer screening including HPV vaccination and testing. Emphasize that cervical cancer often has no symptoms in early stages and that regular screening is crucial for catching it early when treatment is most effective.

Tailor the conversation

This includes age, sexual history, and risk factors such as smoking and family history. Create a comfortable and open environment that encourages Members to ask questions and express concerns.

Explain the basics

Describe what a Pap smear or HPV test involves including the process and how the sample is collected. If the Member didn’t get the HPV vaccine as a child, talk about their options for catching up.

Address concerns

Be prepared to answer questions about discomfort, potential risks, and next steps if results come back abnormal.

HPV vaccine is cancer prevention

Most parents will accept HPV vaccination when it is recommended, and their questions or concerns are addressed. Explore best practices and tips for talking to parents and caregivers about HPV and the HPV vaccine.

Find more information to help your practice improve cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccine performance.