Thanks to screening, cervical cancer is much less common in the U.S., but about 14,000 women are still diagnosed each year. In some countries, it’s one of the leading causes of cancer death in women.

Your cervix changes throughout life—during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes happen in an area called the Transformation Zone (TZ), where most precancer and cancer develop.

• HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer (found in 99.7% of cases!).
• Most people get HPV soon after becoming sexually active, but your immune system usually clears it in 8-24 months.
• HPV 16 & 18 cause most cervical cancers.
• If HPV sticks around for years, it can increase the risk of cervical precancer (CIN) and cancer.

• Smoking (raises the risk of squamous cell cervical cancer)
• HIV or a weak immune system
  
• Multiple sex partners or a high-risk partner
  
• Long-term birth control pill use
  
• Skipping Pap smears

• Pap smears check for abnormal cells in the cervix.
•  HPV tests check for high-risk HPV infections.
• If an abnormal Pap or positive HPV test is found, a colposcopy (a closer exam of the cervix) may be needed.

Cervical cancer develops SLOWLY—it usually takes 15-25 years after HPV infection. That’s why screening is so important!

After age 65? If you’ve had normal Pap smears, you may not need screening anymore—even if you have a new partner.

Moral of the story? Get your regular Pap & HPV tests, and if you’re eligible, get the HPV vaccine to prevent infection in the first place!