Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that regular screening can save your life. Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which means many people don’t know something is wrong until the disease is harder to treat. Screening helps catch changes early, when treatment is most effective.
Over the past 50 years, cervical cancer screening has helped cut cases and deaths by more than 50% in the United States.
When cervical cancer is found early, the five year survival rate is higher than 90%
Why Cervical Cancer Screening Matters
Cervical cancer is usually caused by high risk types of HPV (human papillomavirus). Nearly all cases are linked to HPV. The problem? Many people are not up to date on their screenings — about 1 in 4 adults haven’t been screened as recommended.
Regular screening can find:
- Abnormal cervical cells
- Early signs of cancer
- HPV infections that may lead to cancer
And when caught early or before cancer develops, treatment is far more effective
Updated Screening Options (Good News!)
New national guidelines now offer more choice and flexibility.
Ages 21–29
- Pap test every 3 years
This remains the recommended screening method.
Ages 30–65
You now have several safe, effective options:
- HPV test every 5 years (preferred)
- Pap test every 3 years
- HPV + Pap cotest every 5 years
- Self collected HPV test (in clinic, depending on availability)
Self collection is a major breakthrough, and it is now available at CODAC! It’s just as accurate as clinician collected samples and helps reduce screening barriers such as discomfort, difficulty scheduling or limited access to care.
HPV Vaccination Helps Too
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Studies show a strong herd immunity benefit, lowering cervical disease even among those who haven’t been vaccinated.
But even if you’re vaccinated, you still need routine screening.
Take Control of Your Health — CODAC Can Help
Cervical cancer is highly preventable, and screening is one of the most powerful tools we have. If you’re not sure when your last screening was, or if you’re due, now is the perfect time to make an appointment.
Our providers can help you choose the test that’s best for you and make the process as comfortable as possible.
Call CODAC today to schedule your screening. Early detection saves lives — and your future self will thank you.
