The incidence of cervical cancer is increasing among younger women, attributed largely to insufficient awareness, screening, and prevention measures.
Recent research indicates a decline in cervical cancer screenings among women, dropping from 47% in 2019 to 41% in 2023.
Cervical cancer, being one of the most preventable cancers, has seen a surge in cases among women in their 30s and 40s. Experts emphasize that this demographic is often behind on their screenings, with 29% being overdue.
The development of cervical cancer is typically slow, with the disease growing for months or even years before diagnosis. It starts as abnormal cell changes and precursors before developing into cancer.
Almost all cervical cancers result from the human papillomavirus (HPV), the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the United States.
The CDC estimates that over 42 million Americans carry one strain of HPV, with approximately 13 million new infections occurring annually.
More than 90% of HPV-related cancers could be prevented through the HPV vaccination.
However, previous studies have shown a significant drop in public understanding regarding HPV’s connection to various cancers, such as cervical, oral, penile, and anal cancers.
The CDC first approved the HPV vaccine for females aged 9 to 26 in 2006, later extending it to males in 2009 for protection against anal, oral, and penile cancers.
Initially, the vaccine covered two high-risk strains responsible for 70% of cervical cancers; however, updated formulations now protect against nine strains, thereby safeguarding against 90% of cervical and anal cancers as well as most strains causing mouth and throat cancers.
Despite advancements, vaccinated individuals may still experience breakthrough infections and test positive for HPV.
The CDC recommends that children receive the HPV vaccination around the ages of 11 or 12, with two doses suggested before their 15th birthday. For those who begin the vaccination series later, three doses are advised.
While experts affirm that the HPV vaccine is both safe and effective, hesitance remains, particularly among parents regarding their children’s enrollment in the preventive vaccination program.
Currently, about 54.5% of U.S. adolescents have completed all recommended HPV vaccine doses, falling short of the government’s target of 80% coverage for those aged 10 to 19.
Starting at age 25, the American Cancer Society advises women to have a primary HPV test every five years until they are 65. However, some specialists argue that women aged 25 to 49 should undergo screenings every three years.
Although over 200 HPV strains exist, only a few high-risk strains can result in cancer. “These strains are included in routine cervical cancer screenings because they carry the highest risk of causing cancer,” explained Dr. Verda Hicks, immediate past president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Approximately 20% of women screened for the first time in their 20s or 30s discover they carry high-risk HPV.
Though there is no cure for HPV, the immune system typically clears infections within one to two years. Those infected with high-risk strains may experience transient infections and cellular changes that revert to normal as the infection clears.
Persistent infections lasting longer than two years raise concerns, as they can potentially lead to precancerous changes or cancer, highlighting the importance of regular screenings.
HPV does not completely exit the body and can reactivate when the immune system is compromised due to illness or medication. According to Hicks, only 1% of individuals with HPV develop chronic infections, with even fewer progressing to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer, once a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American women, has seen a decline of over 50% since the mid-1970s, primarily due to increased HPV vaccinations and screening protocols, as reported by the American Cancer Society.
Today, when identified early, cervical cancer is highly treatable; however, the challenge lies in the fact that the disease often presents no symptoms until it has progressed significantly. Therefore, prioritizing timely screenings is crucial.
A 2022 study indicated that between 2005 and 2019, the percentage of women who were overdue for cervical screenings rose from 14% to 19%. The main factors contributing to this issue are lack of awareness about the necessity of screenings and uncertainty regarding when to schedule them.
Women residing in rural areas face a 25% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with cervical cancer and a 42% greater risk of mortality compared to those in urban settings, attributed to lower screening and vaccination rates.
A 2024 study also revealed that women who are nonwhite, uninsured, or identify as LGBTQ+ are at a disadvantage when it comes to cervical cancer screenings.
The ACS projects that by 2025, around 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., resulting in approximately 4,320 deaths from the disease.
