New York State Department of Health Recognizes the Importance of Prevention and Early Detection During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations Available Here

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Recommendations Available Here

Community Cancer Services Programs Offering Free Cancer Screening and Education Available Here

ALBANY, NY. (January 24, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is reminding people who have a cervix to make sure they are up to date with cervical cancer screening, starting at age 21. In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, parents are reminded that all children should get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, starting at age 9. Both screening and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer.

"Routine cervical cancer screenings are the optimal response to keeping safe from letting HPV potentially worsen into cancer," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "The Department is raising awareness in hopes of helping people further understand that this form of cancer is preventable. Those who are due for a cervical cancer screening should not wait – call a health care provider to schedule an appointment right away."

Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer. The cervix is the thin opening of the uterus that connects the vagina to the uterus, or in simpler terms, the birth canal to the womb. Cervical cancer usually starts with changes to the cells on the cervix. If found early, these abnormal cells can be removed to prevent cancer. Cervical cancer screenings can help find abnormal cells before they become cancer.

Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV infection and is targeted to the types of HPV that lead to cervical and other cancers, such as vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth and throat cancers. Increasing HPV vaccination among all children will decrease the number of people who will develop these cancers in the future.

Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms at first. This is why regular screening is so important. According to the most recent data collected via the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, some people are less likely to be up to date with cervical cancer screening. This include females ages 21 to 29 years, those without health insurance or a consistent health care provider, those without a college degree and those with incomes lower than $50,000 per year.

In addition to having HPV and not getting screened regularly, smoking increases a person's risk for cervical cancer. Individuals with a cervix who smoke are about two times more likely to get cervical cancer than those who do not smoke. Smoking also weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off HPV infections. Risk for cervical cancer increases with age; cervical cancer is more common in people over the age of 30.

Other factors that can increase the risk of cervical cancer include the following:

  • Having been treated before for cervical cancer or for abnormal cells that may become cancer.
  • Using birth control pills for five years or more.
  • Giving birth three or more times.
  • Having multiple sexual partners.
  • Having HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or another condition that compromises the immune system and increases the risk of infection.
  • Having a mother who used DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy.

All people with a cervix between the ages of 21 to 65, including those who have had the HPV vaccine, should get screened for cervical cancer. There are two screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early, when it may be easier to treat: a Pap (Papanicolaou) test and a High-Risk (HR) HPV test.

A Pap test looks for changes in cells that are taken from the cervix and sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope. It is most often done during a routine pelvic exam. If the Pap test shows cells that are not normal and may become cancerous, a health care provider will reach out.

The HR HPV test looks for types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. The HPV test can be done at the same time as the Pap test. A positive result for HR HPV means that a health care provider should follow up often to make sure abnormal cells do not develop.

Free cancer screenings are available for New Yorkers who do not have health insurance and meet other eligibility requirements. Contact the New York State Cancer Services Program to learn more at 1-866-442-2262 or to find the nearest Cancer Services Program, view the Department's Cancer Community Program List.

Individuals in need of no cost treatment for cervical, breast, colorectal or prostate cancer may be eligible for the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program – a Medicaid program that provides full Medicaid coverage for the entire time a person is being treated for cancer.

The Department is an active member of the New York State Cancer Consortium, a network of more than 400 organizations working together to reduce the burden of cancer. The Consortium's HPV Coalition works to increase HPV vaccine rates and decrease HPV-related cancers through public and provider education, policy change, and health systems change.

To learn more about cervical cancer symptoms, risk factors and how to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer visit here.

For more information about the HPV vaccine, including who should get it and when, visit the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine webpage.