Cervical Cancer Awareness: Signs, Screening and Early Detection 

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and serves as a reminder of how screening can stop cervical cancer before it starts. 

Most cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that often causes no signs or symptoms and can remain in the body for years.

“Because HPV often develops years before cancer and rarely causes symptoms, routine screening plays a critical role in prevention,” said Dr. Consuela Cruden-Parham, WVU Medicine OB-GYN. 

Symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, pain during intercourse, or pelvic pain can occur, but they often appear after the disease has already developed. 

Cervical cancer screening allows providers to detect HPV and cervical cell changes. Screenings are accessible and include three testing options: 

• HPV tests
• Pap tests
• HPV self-collection tests 

“Screenings help us detect HPV early and take steps to prevent cervical cancer before it develops,” Dr. Cruden-Parham said. 

Anyone with a cervix can develop cervical cancer, although it is most commonly diagnosed after age 30. This is why routine screening remains important, even when no symptoms are present. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends beginning screenings at age 21. If results are normal, many patients can wait up to three years between screenings based on guidance from their provider. 

Prevention goes beyond screening alone. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and is available through WVU Medicine primary care providers and gynecologists. 

Learn more about gynecological care at WVU Medicine in the Eastern Panhandle, and get more information on cancer screenings close to home.