Cervical Cancer - Risk Factors and Prevention

What if we told you there’s a type of cancer nearly 100% preventable? It’s true! Cervical cancer is often preventable through HPV vaccination, routine cervical cancer screenings, and appropriate follow-up treatment if needed. 

Sadly, despite the simple measures you can take to prevent cervical cancer, around 11,500 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, and about 4,000 women die of cervical cancer. 

Today our team is discussing cervical cancer's risk factors, causes, and prevention. Every day our women’s health providers in Enid, Cherokee, Canford, and Medford screen for cervical cancer or provide HPV vaccines. Keep reading to learn more about protecting yourself or your dependents from cervical cancer. 

What Is Cervical Cancer? 

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted. 

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix and then can spread to other parts of the body, and anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. While over half of sexually active people will have HPV in their lifetime, very few will develop cervical cancer. 

What Are the Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer 

While anyone with a cervix has some level of risk for cervical cancer, there are several other risk factors. These factors include: 

  • Having HPV 

  • Having many sexual partners

  • Having HIV 

  • Having sex at an early age 

  • Smoking and tobacco use 

  • A weakened immune system 

  • The use of oral contraceptives 

  • Having many children 

  • A family history of cervical cancer 

According to the National Cancer Institute, high-risk HPV infections of the cervix that lead to persistent infection can sometimes cause severe cervical cell changes that can develop into cervical cancer. This path may lead to cervical cancer for most of the risk factors listed above. However, there is currently little information and research that explains the association between the use of oral contraceptives or having many children and the development of cervical cancer. 

Cervical Cancer Prevention 

The number one way to prevent cervical cancer is by vaccinating against HPV and having regular cervical cancer screenings. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls between 9 and 14. If you were not immunized with the HPV vaccine as an adolescent, it is available for many people up to age 45. 

Additionally, avoiding secondhand smoke, smoking, and tobacco products may lower your risk of cervical cancer. By using condoms during sex, the risk of cervical cancer, HPV, and other diseases caused by HPV may also be reduced. The CDC notes that while the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.

Additionally, all women age 21 and older should receive a cervical screening regularly. For many women, their OBGYN or primary care physician will do the cervical screening at the same time as their annual women’s health exam. 

Cervical cancer screening tests are done using a Pap test or HPV test. Pap tests check for abnormal cells in the cervix, and HPV tests check for HPV in the cervix. 

The CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend the following cadence for cervical screenings for women:

  • Ages 21 to 29 - Should have a Pap test alone every three years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred.

  • Ages 30 to 65 - Have three options for testing. They can have a Pap test and an HPV test (also called co-testing) every five years. They can have a Pap test alone every three years. Or they can have HPV testing alone every five years. You should discuss the options with your medical provider. 

What You Should Know About HPV Vaccination 

HPV vaccines were first available in the United States in 2006. Since then, HPV infections and cervical precancers have declined. HPV vaccines don’t only prevent cervical cancer; there are many other types of cancer caused by HPV that it can protect against, including cancer of the penis, anus, vagina, vulva, and throat. 

It is recommended that the HPV vaccine is given around ages 11-12 to ensure protection before exposure to the HPV virus - but it can be given earlier and later. However, if you are an adult and were not vaccinated in your pre-teen or teenage years, the HPV vaccine is recommended up to age 26. All GSP Health locations can provide HPV vaccinations for patients. 

If you are over 26, talk to your Great Salt Plains Health doctor or provider about the HPV vaccine to determine if it is right for you. 

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer 

In the early stages, cervical cancer has no noticeable signs or symptoms. Regular cervical screenings are the only way to catch early-stage or precancerous cervical cancer cells. 

After cervical cancer has progressed, it can cause the following symptoms: 

  • Bleeding after intercourse 

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding 

  • Bleeding between periods 

  • Bleeding after menopause 

  • Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your GSP Health provider today for further testing. 

Diagnosis and Prognosis for Cervical Cancer 

Cervical cancer will typically be identified in a pelvic exam or through an irregular Pap test or HPV test results. Likely, your provider will need to confirm the presence of cancer cells or further investigate with a biopsy. At this point, you may be referred by your GSP Health provider to a cancer specialist. 

The prognosis for cervical cancer differs widely. The stage at which the cancer has progressed will influence the prognosis. When diagnosed early, cervical cancer has a very high cure rate. If the cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 60%. 

Stages of Cervical Cancer and Treatment 

There are four stages of cervical cancer: 

  • Stage I - cancer cells are only found in the cervix 

  • Stage II - cancer cells have spread outside of the cervix but have not spread to nearby organs 

  • Stage III - cancer cells have spread to nearby organs 

  • Stage IV - cancer cells have spread to distant parts of the body 

Treatment for cervical cancer is typically led by an oncologist or an OB-GYN who commonly treats cervical cancer. The stage at which the cancer is diagnosed will typically determine your treatment plan. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other types of treatment. 

Find a Cervical Testing Provider or HPV Vaccine Provider 

While cervical cancer may seem scary, there is good news! Cervical cancer is preventable. If you are under 26 and have not been vaccinated with the HPV vaccine, contact your GSP Health provider today. If you are over 26 and believe you are at risk for cervical cancer, talk to your doctor and do not neglect regular Pap tests or HPV tests. Routine screening is the only way to catch early or precancerous cervical cancer cells. 


If you are not a current GSP Health patient, contact your closest location in Enid, Cherokee, Medford, or Canton to establish care.

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