Cervical cancer is highly preventable, yet it remains a major global health issue. Worldwide, it is the fourth most common cancer in women, causing over 600,000 new cases and about 350,000 deaths each year. In the United States, roughly 13,500 new cases and more than 4,000 deaths occur annually. Overall five-year survival is about 67%, but early detection can increase survival to over 90%.
The most effective prevention is HPV vaccination, which can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by about 80% if given before age 16. Large safety studies involving more than 132 million people have shown no serious long-term side effects. The CDC now recommends a single-dose schedule for children, though long-term protection data are still being collected. Despite this, only about 58.5% of U.S. adolescents aged 13–15 have completed the vaccine series, far below the 80% national goal. Rates vary widely by race and ethnicity, with barriers including cost, lack of school requirements, stigma, and changing screening guidelines.
Screening is also improving, with primary HPV testing replacing traditional Pap smears. Self-collection of samples is now possible in clinical settings, and private insurers will cover it starting in 2027. Modern tests can identify high-risk HPV strains such as 16 and 18, enabling more personalized care. Because self-collected samples do not include a clinician’s visual exam, screening is recommended every three years instead of five.