An estimated 13,490 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2026, with approximately 4,200 deaths projected from the disease, according to data from the American Cancer Society. While incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer have declined significantly over the past several decades, recent progress has plateaued.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening continue to play crucial roles in preventing the development of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine, which can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV—including cervical and other related cancers—is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine administration at ages 11 or 12, with vaccination possible starting at age 9. Catch-up vaccination is advised for individuals up to age 26 who were not fully vaccinated earlier, and some adults aged 27 to 45 may also consider vaccination following discussions with their healthcare providers.
Screening remains a vital component of prevention as nearly all cervical cancers arise from persistent infection with high-risk HPV types. Recent guidelines increasingly favor primary HPV testing to identify infections and precancerous changes before they develop into invasive cancer. Innovations in screening, such as self-collected vaginal samples for HPV testing, aim to improve accessibility for individuals facing barriers to traditional screening methods.
The impact of these preventive measures is apparent: cervical cancer incidence rates declined by more than half from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s, largely due to expanded screening efforts. More recently, incidence among women aged 20 to 24 has fallen sharply, likely reflecting the effects of HPV vaccination programs.
Despite these advances, challenges remain. Stigma surrounding HPV and its association with sexual activity can hinder vaccine uptake and adherence to screening recommendations. Misunderstandings about the vaccine and the virus contribute to reluctance in discussing prevention, indicating the need to destigmatize HPV and promote vaccination as a vital cancer prevention tool.
Furthermore, HPV vaccination protects against several other cancers beyond cervical cancer, including vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Public health experts stress the importance of broadening educational efforts about HPV vaccination to reflect these extended benefits across genders.
Access to preventive care also remains uneven. Barriers such as inadequate insurance coverage, transportation difficulties, geographic limitations, and work-related constraints can limit individuals’ ability to obtain screening and vaccination services. The inclusion of self-collected HPV testing in current guidelines offers one way to reduce these obstacles and support those who might otherwise forgo screening.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination does not eliminate the need for continued cervical cancer screening. Individuals who receive the HPV vaccine should still follow established screening recommendations.
The substantial reductions in cervical cancer incidence and mortality since the 1970s underscore the effectiveness of vaccination and screening programs. However, preventable cases and deaths persist. Expanding access to prevention, normalizing conversations about HPV, promoting vaccination uptake, and ensuring ongoing research funding are critical steps toward closing existing gaps and improving outcomes for all people at risk for cervical cancer.