Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers there is. So why are so many of us still dying from it?
When the numbers are corrected for women who've had hysterectomies, Black women in the US die of cervical cancer at about twice the rate of white women. That gap isn't because the cancer is different in our bodies. It's mostly about access: being screened on schedule, getting abnormal results followed up quickly, and getting good treatment when it's needed.
The good news is that screening has gotten easier, and there's now an option you can do yourself. Here's what to know.
HPV, in plain terms
Almost all cervical cancer is caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is extremely common. Most sexually active people will have it at some point, usually without ever knowing, and most of the time the body clears it on its own.
When a high-risk type of HPV sticks around for years, it can slowly cause changes in the cervix that may turn into cancer. Screening exists to catch those changes early, often years before they become cancer, when they're simple to treat.
When to get screened
Updated federal guidelines, released in January 2026 and backed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend this schedule for women at average risk:
- Ages 21 to 29: a Pap test every three years.
- Ages 30 to 65: an HPV test every five years (the preferred option), a Pap test and HPV test together every five years, or a Pap test alone every three years.
- Over 65: you may be able to stop if you've had regular normal results. Ask your provider before you do.
Your provider may recommend more frequent screening if you've had abnormal results, have HIV or a weakened immune system, or have other risk factors. Most private insurance plans already cover routine screening at no cost to you, and coverage of the new self-collection option is required by January 1, 2027.
The new option: self-collection
For many women, the speculum is the hardest part of a Pap test. Now there's another way. Women ages 30 to 65 can be offered a self-collected HPV test: you use a small swab to collect a vaginal sample yourself, privately, and it's sent to a lab.
Right now, most self-collection happens in a clinic or doctor's office, in a private room. The FDA has also approved a prescription at-home kit, which you use at home and mail to a lab. Ask your provider which options are available to you.
If your self-collected test finds a high-risk type of HPV, you'll need a follow-up exam in person, such as a colposcopy. The swab only checks for the virus; it doesn't replace that exam. That step matters just as much as the test itself.
Follow-up is where the gap grows
An abnormal result is not a cancer diagnosis. Most abnormal results are minor changes that are watched or easily treated. But they do need follow-up, and this is where too many women fall through the cracks.
- Make sure you get your results. Don't assume no news is good news. Call or check your patient portal.
- If your result is abnormal, ask: "What exactly did it show? What's the next step, and when should it happen?"
- Book the follow-up before you leave, whether it's a repeat test or a colposcopy, a closer look at the cervix.
- If cost, time off or childcare is a barrier, say so. Many clinics can help, and community health centers offer care on a sliding scale.
Signs not to ignore
Early cervical changes usually cause no symptoms, which is why screening matters. But see a provider promptly if you have:
- Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
- Unusual discharge that's watery, bloody or has a strong odor
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
The HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It works best when given before any exposure, so it's recommended at ages 11 to 12, and for everyone through age 26 who didn't get it earlier. If you're 27 to 45, ask your provider whether it makes sense for you. If you have children, it's one of the most powerful cancer-prevention tools you can give them.
The through line
Cervical cancer is largely preventable, and the tools to prevent it keep getting better. Know your schedule, ask about self-collection if the exam has kept you away, and follow every abnormal result through to the end. Then remind a sister, a friend or your mother to do the same.
Need a provider who listens? Read our guide to finding the right OB-GYN.
This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. It cannot diagnose any condition. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your screening schedule and any symptoms. Full disclaimer.
