Improve your cervical health in 2025 and beyond by staying active

A Q&A with Elizabeth Kastrick, MD, an OB/GYN with Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center

January marks the start of a new year and, for many, renewed efforts toward physical health goals. These goals often include weight loss, lowering cholesterol or increasing strength – and they’re rarely met without physical activity.

But staying active isn’t always about moving your body – especially when it comes to cervical health. “Always active” is the theme for this Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to help you commit to being just that with answers to some of the questions I’ve fielded from my own patients.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

One of the most common symptoms is abnormal vaginal bleeding, including after intercourse, after menopause or between menstrual cycles. Other symptoms include pain during intercourse, pelvic pain or changes in vaginal discharge, which may include heavy or foul-smelling discharge.

Who’s most at risk for cervical cancer?

Unlike many other types of cancer, cervical cancer is not hereditary. Ninety percent of the time, it’s caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be transmitted during oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. Those who begin sexual activity at a young age as well as those with a greater number of lifetime sexual partners have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Those with weakened immune systems, limited access to care and appropriate screening, and smoking histories are also at greater risk.

How can I prevent cervical cancer?

The two most important things you can do to decrease your risk is to get the HPV vaccine and complete routine cervical cancer screening. Keep in mind that HPV vaccines work to prevent an HPV infection. The vaccines will not treat a current infection. To be most effective, the HPV vaccine should be given before a person becomes exposed to HPV – as young as 9 years old. You can limit your exposure to HPV by limiting your number of sexual partners and using condoms when sexually active. 

What does cervical cancer screening consist of? 

Cervical cancer screening most commonly consists of completing a Pap test, which should start at age 21 and is completed with a special brush that gently collects cells from the cervix to identify abnormal cells. At age 25, HPV testing – which looks for HPV DNA – can be added to a Pap test. Women under 30 who have never had an abnormal Pap test should get one every three years. For women 30-65, co-testing – a combination of a Pap and HPV test – is recommended every five years. Women older than 65 may discontinue screening in the absence of abnormal screening results within the prior 10 years and any high-grade lesion history.

Is there an at-home screening option available?

Yes! Women now have the option of self-collecting a vaginal sample for HPV if they can’t have or don’t want a pelvic exam. The goal of self-swabbing is to reduce barriers, which will give more people the opportunity to detect and receive treatment for cervical abnormalities. Talk to your provider to determine whether this is an option for you.

Can cervical cancer be cured?

Early detection is key to cervical cancer survival. Multiple factors can affect treatment options, including the location of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the cervix, the type of cancer (squamous cell or adenocarcinoma), age, overall health and whether the patient plans to have children in the future. At Methodist, a multidisciplinary team works together to confirm the diagnosis and ensure supportive care, pain management and the best possible treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy or a combination of these. 

Reach out to your provider – or make the call to establish care with one – if you think you may be overdue for cervical cancer screening. And don’t stop there. Commit to seeing them regularly. It’s one of the most important steps in staying “active” with your health in the new year and beyond.