Cervical Cancer: Updated Screening Guidelines and Prevention

Cervical cancer rates have dropped by 80% since the rollout of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. However, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that more than 13,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2026 and more than 4,000 women will die from the disease.

To continue efforts in early diagnosis and prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) updated its guidelines for cervical cancer screenings. It's important for women to understand and stay informed about these new screening protocols.

Cervical cancer is a malignancy or tumor that develops in the cervix - the area between the vagina and the uterus. Signs and symptoms can include:

• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Spontaneous vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Women experiencing these symptoms should call their primary care provider and schedule an appointment. As a preventive measure, women should have an annual exam with their primary care provider. During a regular appointment, doctors can screen patients for symptoms.

2026 Updated Screening Guidelines

• As of January 2026, new federal guidelines from the HRSA allow women ages 30-65 at average risk to choose a self-administered HPV test or self-collection method as a screening option.
• How it works:
• • It is a vaginal swab that resembles a long Q-tip.
  • Currently performed in a private room at your doctor's office.
  • Beginning in 2027, insurance companies will be required to cover the at-home tests.

• It is important to note that a self-test is not a replacement for visiting your physician.

• If the test result is positive, you must go in for a follow-up. This is where the doctor performs a Pap smear or a colposcopy to see if the virus is actually changing your cells.
• • It is important to follow through with your medical team about your results.

How is an HPV test different from a Pap smear?:

• HPV Test: Detects the virus that causes cell changes that lead to cancer
• Pap Smear: Detects abnormal cell changes, precancerous or cancerous, that are already present

Screening Guidelines by Age:

• Ages 21-29: Screen for cervical cancer with a Pap smear every 3 years. The self-swab is not recommended for this age group because HPV is more common for people in their 20s and usually is cleared by the immune system.
• Ages 30-65: A doctor-collected HPV test every 5 years. Women can perform a self-swab HPV test every 3 years.
• Ages 65+: Talk to your doctor. If you've had normal results for the last 10 years, you may be able to stop.

Clinicians often use these screening methods together to catch and treat abnormalities before they become cancer. If you have had a hysterectomy, talk to your doctor about what screening is right for you.

Preventative measures for cervical cancer:

• The most effective method is getting vaccinated against HPV. The current vaccines are intended to protect against HPV types that cause about 90% of cervical cancers and genital warts.
• Vaccination recommendations from the CDC:
• • Girls and boys should get 2 doses of the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 12.
  • Teens and young adults ages 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated, or who have not completed the series, should get the vaccine as soon as possible.
  • • Individuals ages 27-45 should consult their doctor to determine whether the HPV vaccine is right for them.

To learn more about cervical cancer prevention and other ways to keep yourself healthy, visit healthcare.ascension.org. Dr. Oliva Murray is an OB-GYN and sees patients at Ascension Franklin Hospital. Make an appointment by calling 414-325-4910.