The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports some alarming statistics related to cervical cancer: each year in the United States, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die of this cancer.

With January having been Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to know that women can take important steps to protect their health and help prevent cervical cancer, according to health experts.

“It’s unfortunate, but the reality is that all women are at risk of getting cervical cancer,” said Dr. Lestina C. Price, chief of service, Obstetrics/Gynecology at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. “Cervical cancer does occur mostly in women over age 30. For women who want to protect their health, the good news is that cervical cancer can be prevented through screening tests and the HPV vaccine.”

Price noted Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer. In fact, more than 80% of women who are sexually active will contract HPV at some point in their life, studies show. The HPV vaccine is the top preventative measure that a woman can take.

The following are the most common risk factors among women for cervical cancer, according to Price:

  • Having several sexual partners
  • Having HPV infection
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another medical condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off infections.

In addition to getting the HPV vaccine, Price recommended that women should have regular cervical health screening tests starting at age 21. The Pap smear looks for pre-cancerous cell changes on the cervix, which could lead to cervical cancer if not treated appropriately. HPV screening also occurs at the time of the pap smear collection. Early detection is critical, as screenings can decrease cervical cancer deaths by 96.4% as treatment is most effective with an early diagnosis of cancer.

In addition to getting the HPV vaccine, Price recommended that women should have regular cervical health screening tests starting at age 21. The Pap smear looks for pre-cancerous cell changes on the cervix, which could lead to cervical cancer if not treated appropriately. Early detection is critical, as screenings can decrease cervical cancer deaths by 96.4% as treatment is most effective with an early diagnosis of cancer.

A cervical cancer screening test prevents the disease by detecting and treating abnormal cells before they become cancerous, according to health experts. In fact, more than 50% of all new cervical cancers are in women who have never been screened or have not been screened in the previous five years of their lives. It is important to know that screening does not occur with every pelvic exam, so make sure to ask your provider if a pap smear was collected.

“It’s not uncommon for early-stage cervical cancer to show no signs or symptoms, and that’s why screenings are so important,” Price said. “However, advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. What’s important to know is that HPV vaccination is critically important as it can prevent most deaths from cervical cancer.”