Rise in cervical cancers: What to know and how the HPV vaccine can help prevent it

Cervical cancer is highly treatable when caught early. It’s also mostly preventable through screening with the Pap test and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Rates of cervical cancer have dropped by over half from the mid-1970s to mid-2000s due to increased screening. In the past 10 years, overall rates have stayed about the same. However, among women ages 30 to 44, cervical cancer cases have increased by about 1.7% each year since 2012. In contrast, cases in women ages 20 to 24 have decreased about 11% each year, likely due to the effects of HPV vaccination.

Why the increase in diagnoses for ages 30 to 44

It's difficult to understand exactly why cases have increased among women ages 30 to 44. Some experts speculate that the rise is due to delayed HPV vaccination, persistent HPV infections, and gaps in cervical cancer screening.

Cervical cancer, which is almost always caused by HPV, develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex. Among sexually active people, more than 90% of men and 80% of women are infected with HPV during their lifetimes. Fortunately, most HPV infections clear on their own. However, certain risk factors, such as smoking, immunosuppression and co-infections with other sexually transmitted infections can increase the risk of cervical cancer. About a dozen known HPV strains are carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer.

Most cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44, with the average age at diagnosis around 50. It’s uncommon in women under the age of 20.

Why is cervical cancer screening so important?

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2025, and approximately 4,320 people will die from it.

Cervical cancer screening aims to detect changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer. Screening typically involves a Pap test, testing for HPV, or both. These tests are usually performed by an Ob/Gyn, nurse practitioner or nurse midwife, and can identify abnormal cells or HPV infections, allowing for early treatment and potentially preventing cancer.

For women who find in-office cervical cancer screening too invasive due to discomfort with pelvic exams, past trauma, or cultural or religious beliefs, a new at-home self-collection device may be an option. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2025, the prescription device offers a private alternative for women to collect a sample on their own in the comfort and safety of their homes. The device may also be more accessible to those who may otherwise go unscreened, helping to reduce barriers and support early detection.

How often should women be screened for cervical cancer?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and National Cancer Institute recommend starting cervical cancer screening at age 21. The American Cancer Society recommends starting by age 25.

You should talk to your health care provider to determine what screening plan is right for you. These organizations typically recommend that women ages 21 to 65 have a primary HPV test every 5 years. If a primary HPV test is not available, you may instead have a co-test (HPV and Pap test together) every 5 years, or a Pap test alone, every 3 years.

Women over 65 can stop screening if they’ve had regular and normal Pap results over the past 10 years and no history of serious cervical disease. Screening should also stop after a total hysterectomy, unless it was done for cancer or precancer. Those with a history of serious cervical disease or who are at higher risk (e.g., weakened immune system or DES (diethylstilbestrol) exposure may need more frequent testing and should follow their health care provider’s advice.

Can a Pap test miss precancerous/cancerous cells?

The Pap test is a valuable tool for detecting cervical cancer and precancerous changes, but it’s not always accurate. In some cases, abnormal or cancerous cells may go undetected, resulting in a false negative. Research suggests that Pap tests may miss these changes in approximately 10-20% of cases. For this reason, combining the Pap test with an HPV test is recommended when possible. The HPV test has a lower false-negative rate and detects the virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancers.

Can using a copper IUD lower your risk of cervical cancer?

Some studies suggest that using a copper IUD (intrauterine device) may lower the risk of developing serious cervical cell changes that can lead to cancer. In one study, people with copper IUDs had fewer of these changes compared to those using hormonal IUDs. But copper IUDs are not currently used specifically to prevent cervical cancer.

How common is HPV, and can I still test positive if I got the HPV vaccine?

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. About 43 million people are currently infected, and around 13 million more get a new HPV infection each year, including teens and adults. While most HPV infections go away on their own within two years, some can last longer and may lead to other cancers including vulvar, penile, anal and throat cancers as well as genital warts. Each year, HPV causes about 36,000 cancer cases in men and women in the U.S.

The HPV vaccine is highly effective. The one given in the U.S. protects against nine of the most common high-risk types of HPV. But the vaccine doesn’t cover every strain, so it’s still possible to get an HPV type infection that isn’t included in the vaccine.

Also, the vaccine doesn’t treat HPV infections that were already present before vaccination.

How long does it take for HPV to turn into cervical cancer?

It usually takes many years for HPV to lead to cervical cancer. In most cases, if high-risk HPV causes changes in cervical cells, it can take 5-10 years for those changes to develop into precancer. If the precancer is not found and treated, it can take about 20 years for it to become cervical cancer. But not everyone with HPV will develop cancer. A person’s risk is higher if they have certain types of HPV (HPV 16 or 18), smoke, have a weakened immune system, or are living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Is cervical cancer curable?

Cervical cancer can often be cured, especially when detected early. Treatment options vary based on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy and systemic treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Does the HPV vaccine prevent other HPV-related cancers?

The HPV vaccine protects against several other cancers caused by HPV, including vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal and throat cancers. In addition to cancer prevention, the vaccine also protects against the HPV types that cause most genital warts. The vaccine works by preventing infection with high-risk types of HPV that are known to cause these cancers.

Who and when should the HPV vaccine be given?

Routine HPV vaccination is recommended, starting at age 9 and up to age 26 for both boys and girls. For individuals between 27 and 45, vaccination isn’t routinely advised, but some adults in this age group may benefit after discussing their risks with a health care provider. HPV vaccination is a series of two or three doses spaced months apart, depending on age.

The bottom line: How to lower your cervical cancer risk

To significantly reduce your risk of cervical cancer, prioritize getting regular screenings and the HPV vaccine. Additionally, practice safe sex, limit sexual partners and avoid smoking.