Cervical cancer stands out among gynecologic cancers for a reason that is both remarkable and underappreciated: it is largely preventable. Not just detectable early, but actually preventable. The combination of HPV vaccination and routine cervical screening has the potential to eliminate the vast majority of cervical cancer cases. Yet thousands of women in the United States are still diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, most of them in communities where screening is inconsistent or vaccination rates are low. At Tidewater Physicians for Women, we believe prevention starts with understanding exactly what is available and why it matters. Here is what every woman should know.
The HPV Connection
Virtually all cervical cancers, more than 99 percent, are caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is so common that most sexually active people will be exposed at some point in their lives. In most cases, the immune system clears the virus on its own without any intervention or symptoms. In a small percentage of infections, particularly those involving high-risk strains such as HPV 16 and 18, the virus persists and over time causes cellular changes in the cervix that, if left undetected, can progress to cancer. This process is slow, typically taking ten to fifteen years, which creates a substantial window for prevention and detection.
The HPV Vaccine: Prevention Before Exposure
The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective cancer-prevention tools in modern medicine. The currently available vaccine, Gardasil 9, protects against nine strains of HPV responsible for the majority of cervical cancers as well as other HPV-related cancers and genital warts. When administered before first HPV exposure, the vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective at preventing infection with the strains it covers.
Current recommendations call for routine vaccination of adolescents at age 11 or 12, with catch-up vaccination recommended through age 26 for those who were not vaccinated on schedule. Adults between 27 and 45 may also be eligible for vaccination on an individual basis after a discussion with their provider about the likely benefit given prior exposure history. The vaccine is recommended for both females and males.
If you or a daughter or family member has not received the HPV vaccine, this is a conversation worth having at your next appointment. Our women’s health and gynecology teams can review vaccination history and provide guidance on whether catch-up vaccination is appropriate.
Cervical Cancer Screening: Catching Changes Before They Become Cancer
The Pap smear, developed in the mid-twentieth century, fundamentally changed the trajectory of cervical cancer. It works by collecting cells from the cervix and examining them for abnormalities before they progress to cancer. When combined with HPV co-testing, which checks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains, the ability to identify women at elevated risk is even stronger.
Current guidelines recommend the following for women at average risk. Women between 21 and 29 should have a Pap smear every three years. Women between 30 and 65 have three options: a Pap smear alone every three years, HPV testing alone every five years, or co-testing with both every five years. Women over 65 who have had adequate prior screening with normal results can typically stop screening. Women who have had a hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons and no prior history of high-grade cervical dysplasia may no longer need routine cervical screening; this should be confirmed with a provider.
These guidelines apply to women at average risk. Women with a history of cervical cancer, high-grade dysplasia, HIV infection, or other immune-compromising conditions may need more frequent screening. Our in-office procedures include colposcopy and related evaluations for women with abnormal Pap results or positive HPV tests.
What Happens When Screening Finds Something
An abnormal Pap smear result is not a cancer diagnosis. The vast majority of abnormal results reflect minor cellular changes, often driven by HPV, that the immune system will resolve on its own or that require monitoring rather than immediate treatment. When results indicate more significant changes, colposcopy allows the provider to examine the cervix more closely and take biopsies of areas that appear abnormal. If precancerous changes are confirmed, treatment options such as LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) or cryotherapy can remove the affected tissue before cancer develops.
This is exactly the scenario that routine screening is designed to create: catching changes at a stage where intervention is straightforward, effective, and fertility-preserving in most cases. It is a far better position to be in than discovering cancer at a symptomatic stage.
Staying Current Matters More Than You Might Think
One of the most common reasons women are diagnosed with cervical cancer is a gap in screening. Many women who develop cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear in five or more years. Life gets busy; screenings slip. This is understandable, but closing those gaps is one of the most impactful things a woman can do for her own health. If you are not sure when your last Pap smear was, your provider can check your records and help you determine what is needed.
Prevention Is Squarely Within Reach
The tools to prevent cervical cancer exist. They are effective, accessible, and part of the routine care that Tidewater Physicians for Women provides at every well-woman visit. Whether you are due for a Pap smear, have questions about HPV vaccination, or received an abnormal result and need follow-up, our team is here to guide you through every step. Schedule an appointment at our Virginia Beach or Norfolk locations, or call us at (757) 461-3890. Explore our full range of gynecology and women’s health services to learn more about what we offer.
