January 13, 2025
How to prevent cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is highly preventable. HPV vaccination and regular screenings can greatly reduce your risk.
Our goal at Kaiser Permanente is to eliminate cervical cancer among our members and patients.
Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States.
Rates have decreased greatly over the past 20 years, thanks to improved prevention.
But we can do even better: Our goal is to end cervical cancer among our members.
“Cervical cancer is completely preventable,” said Tracy Seo, MD, a Kaiser Permanente ob-gyn in Northern California. “Our 3-part strategy includes vaccination, screening, and timely treatment.”
Kaiser Permanente is a leader in cervical cancer prevention, with screening and vaccination rates in the top 10% nationwide.
Source: 2024 HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set)
Step 1: Vaccination
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus, known as HPV.
HPV is common. Nearly everyone will get HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases, the body’s immune system clears the virus before cell changes develop. But when that doesn’t happen, HPV can lead to cancer.
Fortunately, there’s a simple way to prevent HPV: Get vaccinated.
- HPV vaccination works best as part of routine childhood vaccinations so young people are protected before they’re exposed to the virus.
- The HPV vaccine series is routinely recommended for adolescents at 11 or 12 years of age, but it may be started at age 9.
- We recommend that everyone get vaccinated before age 27.
If you’ve screened positive for HPV, vaccination may still benefit you. It could improve your immune response and help protect against other types of HPV.
“The HPV vaccine doesn’t just prevent cervical cancer,” Dr. Seo said. “It also helps prevent cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat. So, it’s really a cancer prevention vaccine.”
Nearly 61% of eligible Kaiser Permanente members got vaccinated for HPV in 2023. That’s nearly twice the national average of 33%.
Source: 2024 HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set)
Step 2: Screening
The HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection, but it doesn’t protect against all types of HPV. And it doesn’t prevent all forms of cervical cancer.
That’s why regular cervical cancer screening is essential. It helps detect warning signs before they become a problem. Cervical cancer can usually be treated successfully when it’s found early.
The best test for you depends on your age and prior test results. Doctors usually recommend a Pap test for people age 21 to 24 and an HPV test for people age 25 and older.
Talk with your doctor about how often you should be tested.
Kaiser Permanente’s cervical cancer screening rate of 82% exceeds the national average of 73%.
Source: 2024 HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set)
Step 3: Timely treatment
If your HPV test shows that HPV is present, or if your Pap test comes back as abnormal or unclear, it doesn’t mean you have cancer.
Your care team will work with you to develop a follow-up plan with recommendations based on your age, test results, and other factors.
“When people have access to the care they need, including vaccination and screening, their chances of getting cervical cancer are significantly reduced,” Dr. Seo said. “Our goal is to help people access the care they deserve.”
Learn more about cancer prevention at Kaiser Permanente.
