Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Progress, Challenges, and Solutions

January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month—a time to shine a spotlight on the progress we’ve made in preventing, diagnosing, and treating this preventable disease. Thanks to advancements in screening and vaccination, cervical cancer rates have declined significantly, but the fight is far from over. Persistent gaps in access to care, awareness, and equitable solutions continue to put many at risk. This month serves as both a celebration of how far we’ve come, and a call to action to address the challenges that remain and pave the way for a future free from cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. But undetected and untreated, cervical cancer can be deadly. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated 13,820 new cervical cancer cases would be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024, and projected that 4,360 women would die from the disease. Many of these deaths could have been avoided. 

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV infections are common and usually resolve without intervention, in rare cases, they can lead to precancerous lesions. A very effective vaccine that protects against cancerous strains of HPV has been FDA approved in the US since 2006, but as of 2023, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 40% of adolescents in the U.S. were not up to date on the HPV vaccine and remain at risk. 

Because cervical cancer develops slowly, there is a critical window in which “pre-cancerous” changes can be detected and safely removed before they become invasive. But if left untreated, these HPV-driven lesions can develop into invasive cervical cancer – a disease that often progresses silently in its early stages. As the cancer advances, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding—such as bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause, as well as unusually heavy or prolonged periods. Other signs can include watery, bloody, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sex. By the time these symptoms appear, the disease is advanced, and the likelihood of serious morbidity or death is significant. The good news is that screening is becoming easier and easier thanks to new research, technologies, and approaches.

This blog will explore the latest updates on cervical cancer, including prevention strategies, global and national efforts to eliminate the disease, and exciting developments such as self-collected HPV testing.

Screening and Vaccination: The Cornerstones of Cervical Cancer Prevention

Cervical cancer is largely preventable when individuals participate in regular screening and vaccination programs. Here are key facts:

• Screening Prevents Cancer: Screening can detect precancerous lesions before they progress to cancer. Because HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, HPV testing is now the preferred screening method and is more effective than the Pap test in identifying individuals at risk for aggressive forms of cervical cancer. The ACS recommends screening for individuals aged 25-65 every 5 years using HPV testing. Alternatively, co-testing with Pap and HPV tests every 5 years, or a Pap test alone every 3 years, is acceptable.
• HPV Vaccination Reduces Cancer Risk: The HPV vaccine provides protection against 90% of cervical cancers and other HPV-related diseases. According to the ACS, immunization rates in the U.S. are still too low, with only 65% of girls and 61% of boys aged 13-17 completing the vaccine series in 2023. Expanding vaccine uptake is critical to further reducing cervical cancer cases.

While incidence rates of cervical cancer have dropped by more than 50% since the 1970s due to widespread screening, disparities remain. The death rate for Black women is 50% higher than for White women, and for Native American women, it is 70% higher. Moreover, nearly half of cervical cancer diagnoses occur in people who have never been screened. Addressing these disparities is essential to eliminating this disease. 

A Global Push to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue through its 90-70-90 strategy, with targets to achieve by 2030:

• 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15
• 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35, and again by age 45
• 90% of women with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment

In the U.S., progress has been made in vaccination and screening, but gaps persist. National screening rates indicate 72% of women aged 21-65 are up to date with screenings as of 2021, meeting the WHO’s target. However, recent data shows a decline in vaccination rates by birth year, worsened further by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WHO’s ultimate goal is to reduce cervical cancer cases to fewer than four per 100,000 women annually, a milestone that would classify the disease as eliminated as a public health problem.

New Screening Guidelines and Innovations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated its cervical cancer screening recommendations. The primary change is the preference for HPV testing to take place every five years for individuals aged 30-65. Additionally, patient-collected HPV samples are now an acceptable screening method. These updates are expected to improve screening accessibility and adherence while maintaining high accuracy in detecting precancerous changes.

The Self-collection for HPV Testing to Improve Cervical Cancer Prevention (SHIP) Trial is a groundbreaking initiative launched by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This study will evaluate the effectiveness of self-collected vaginal samples for HPV testing, which can be done at home. This method aims to overcome barriers like socioeconomic disparities, geographic inaccessibility, and cultural issues that prevent individuals from undergoing traditional screenings. By validating self-collection methods, the SHIP Trial seeks to expand screening access and reduce cervical cancer incidence, particularly in underserved and high-burden populations.

There are many innovative solutions coming soon or available now to help everyone access cervical cancer screening. Urine-based HPV tests provide a non-invasive way that individuals can self-collect their own sample. There are also new swab-based devices being developed to help make vaginal self-sampling easier. 

Employer-Based Screening Programs: A Powerful Tool

To prevent cervical cancer, it is crucial that everyone has access to affordable and comfortable screening options. Employers can play a vital role in expanding access by offering comprehensive cancer prevention benefits, including onsite and at-home screenings, promoting and supporting coordination of HPV vaccination, and educating employees about prevention guidelines. Making screening easier and more accessible is key.

At Color, we are improving access with urine-based HPV testing, providing a noninvasive and convenient option for individuals to stay up-to-date on their screenings. These programs not only help to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, but also ensure employees remain healthy, productive, and supported.

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and with continued advancements in screening, vaccination, and equitable access to care, elimination is within reach. This January, let’s amplify the importance of prevention and work together—globally, nationally, and locally—to end cervical cancer for good.

Reach out at learnmore@color.com if you would like to discuss how Color can help your organization.