Cervical Cancer Prevention: Vaccines and Screening
The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a common virus that spreads through sexual contact. Thankfully, most HPV infections can be prevented or detected early with the right interventions.
In this blog, brought to you by Isha Women’s Hospital, Dombivli, we’ll explore:
- What cervical cancer is and its major risk factors
- How the HPV vaccine works and who should get it
- The importance of Pap smears and HPV
Understanding Cervical Cancer & Risk Factors
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable, especially when detected early through routine screening and preventive measures.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina — begin to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these abnormal cells can form a tumor and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is a persistent infection with certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection. While most HPV infections resolve on their own without causing any problems, some high-risk strains — particularly HPV types 16 and 18 — can lead to cellular changes in the cervix that, over several years, may develop into cancer.
The good news is that cervical cancer usually progresses slowly, giving plenty of opportunity for early detection and treatment before it becomes life-threatening.
Main Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
Here are the major contributing factors:
HPV Infection (The Leading Cause)
A persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV is by far the most significant risk factor for cervical cancer. This virus is so common that most sexually active individuals will contract it at some point in their lives. However, it’s the long-term infection with high-risk HPV that increases the risk of developing abnormal cervical cells and, eventually, cancer.
Multiple Sexual Partners
Having multiple sexual partners increases the likelihood of being exposed to HPV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially if protection is not used consistently.
Early Onset of Sexual Activity
Starting sexual activity at a younger age increases the duration of exposure to HPV and raises the risk of acquiring high-risk strains of the virus, especially when the cervical cells are still developing and more susceptible to infections.
Smoking
Tobacco use has been linked to cervical cancer, as harmful chemicals in cigarettes can damage the DNA of cervical cells and reduce the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infections. Women who smoke are about twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to non-smokers.
Weakened Immune System
Women with weakened immune systems — due to conditions like HIV, or those on long-term immunosuppressive medications — are less able to fight off HPV infections, putting them at greater risk for cervical cell changes and cancer.
Long-Term Use of Oral Contraceptives
While birth control pills are safe for most women, studies have shown that using them for more than five years may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer. The risk returns to normal after stopping the pills for 10 years.
Lack of Regular Pap Smear Screening
Routine Pap tests (or Pap smears) are critical for detecting precancerous changes in the cervix. Women who skip regular screening are more likely to have undetected cervical abnormalities that could develop into cancer over time.
HPV Vaccines for Cervical Cancer Prevention
How HPV Causes Cervical Cancer
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus transmitted primarily through sexual contact. In fact, most sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives.
- In most cases, the immune system clears the virus naturally within 1 to 2 years without any health problems.
- However, certain high-risk strains of HPV, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, can persist in the body and cause abnormal changes in the cervical cells. Over time, if left untreated, these changes can develop into cervical cancer.
How the HPV Vaccine Works
The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the most dangerous types of HPV that are known to cause cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers (such as vulvar, vaginal, anal, and throat cancers).
Key Benefits of the HPV Vaccine:
- Prevents infection from high-risk HPV types, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18 (responsible for 70% of cervical cancers).
- Some vaccines, offer protection against nine different HPV types, including those causing genital warts.
- Offers long-term protection and helps reduce the risk of cancer-causing infections.
- Most effective when given before any exposure to HPV, which means before becoming sexually active.
- Gardasil 9 (widely used and approved) – Protects against 9 HPV types (7 cancer-causing and 2 wart-causing types)
- Other vaccines like Cervarix are also available but less commonly used today.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
Recommended Age Groups:
- Girls and boys aged 9 to 14 years – This is the ideal age group for HPV vaccination, as the immune response is strongest, and it ensures protection before exposure to the virus.
- Catch-up vaccination is recommended up to age 26 years if not vaccinated earlier.
- Adults aged 27 to 45 years – May still benefit from the vaccine, especially if they are at risk or have not been exposed to certain HPV types. A consultation with a gynecologist or fertility specialist is advised in such cases.
Dosage Schedule:
- Two doses (6–12 months apart) if the first dose is given before the 15th birthday.
- Three doses (over 6 months) if the first dose is given at age 15 or later, or if the individual has a weakened immune system.
Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer
Let’s take a closer look at the two main screening tools used for early detection: The Pap smear and the HPV test.
What Is a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a simple procedure that plays a powerful role in preventing cervical cancer.
- During the test, a healthcare provider collects a small sample of cells from the cervix (the opening of the uterus).
- These cells are examined under a microscope to look for precancerous or abnormal changes that could develop into cancer if not treated.
- The test is quick, usually painless, and can be done in a gynaecologist's clinic in just a few minutes.
- Women should begin Pap testing at age 21, regardless of sexual activity.
- If results are normal, the test should be repeated every 3 years.
- If abnormalities are found, your doctor may recommend:
- An HPV test
- A colposcopy (a closer examination of the cervix)
- Or more frequent Pap testing to monitor the changes.
What Is an HPV Test?
- The test is often performed at the same time as a Pap smear in women aged 30 and above, a method known as co-testing.
- If the HPV test is negative and the Pap smear is normal, your risk of cervical cancer is very low.
- If high-risk HPV is detected, your doctor may recommend:
- Closer follow-up
- Repeat testing in 1 year
- Or further evaluation through colposcopy, even if your Pap smear appears normal.
Screening Guidelines for Cervical Cancer
Recommended Screening Schedule:
Ages 21–29:
- Pap smear every 3 years
- HPV testing is not routinely needed in this age group unless Pap results are abnormal.
- Pap smear + HPV test every 5 years (co-testing) is preferred
- OR Pap smear alone every 3 years
- Screening can be safely stopped if you have had several consecutive normal results and no history of cervical precancer or cancer.
- Your doctor will help determine when it’s safe to stop screening based on your individual medical history.
- Early and accurate detection of abnormal cervical changes
- Personalized screening schedules based on your age and health history
- Gentle, respectful, and comfortable examination process
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Additional Ways to Lower Your Risk
Here are some simple, effective lifestyle strategies to stay protected:
1. Get Vaccinated Early
- The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, ideally between ages 9–14, but catch-up doses are beneficial too.
- Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of high-risk HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer.
- Smoking weakens the immune system and damages the cervical cells, making it harder for the body to clear HPV infections.
- Smokers are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to non-smokers.
- Condom use can help lower the risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Limiting the number of sexual partners also reduces the chance of exposure to high-risk HPV types.
- A healthy immune system helps the body fight off HPV naturally. Support it through:
- A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Adequate sleep and rest
- Regular physical activity
- Stress management
- Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, you still need regular Pap smears and/or HPV testing to catch any early changes.
- Early detection saves lives — so don’t skip your routine health checks.
Take Charge of Your Health – Because Prevention Is Power
Every woman deserves to know:
- HPV vaccination can shield you from the most harmful virus strains.
- Routine Pap smears and HPV tests catch abnormalities early, before they turn into cancer.
- Healthy lifestyle choices like quitting smoking and boosting immunity offer added protection.
Don’t wait for symptoms.
Don’t postpone your peace of mind.
Protect your future, today — with the compassionate care of Isha Women’s Hospital.
Book your appointment now and take the first step toward a healthier tomorrow!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans - Yes—HPV vaccines are safe, effective, and thoroughly tested.
2. If I’m vaccinated, do I still need Pap smears?
Ans - Yes—the vaccine doesn’t protect against all cancer-causing HPV strains.
3. Can cervical cancer be cured if caught early?
Ans - Yes—early-stage cervical cancer is highly treatable and often curable.
4. What if my Pap smear is abnormal?
Ans - Further testing like HPV typing or colposcopy will be done to find the cause.
5. Can older women benefit from HPV vaccination?
Ans - Possibly—adults up to age 45 should discuss with their doctor if vaccination is right for them.