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Cervical Health Awareness Month: Prevention Starts With Knowledge
Jan 01, 2026
Quick Takeaways
- Cervical cancer is highly preventable. Most cases can be avoided with timely screening and proactive care, yet many women still miss these opportunities.
- Early stages are usually silent. Cervical changes often cause no symptoms, making routine testing the only reliable way to catch issues early.
- HPV plays a central role. A common and often undetected virus is responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases.
- Prevention works best in layers. Screening and vaccination together dramatically reduce risk, each covering what the other cannot.
- Cervical health goes beyond the exam room. Everyday habits and regular checkups quietly shape long-term outcomes.
Introduction
January marks Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating women about cervical cancer prevention and the importance of routine care. While cervical cancer is highly preventable, many women are still diagnosed each year — often because screenings are delayed or skipped.
At Women's Health Associates, serving women across Columbia, we believe understanding how cervical cancer develops and how it can be prevented empowers women to take control of their health at every stage of life.
Why Cervical Cancer Is Often Preventable
Cervical cancer typically develops slowly and often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This makes regular screening essential. When changes in cervical cells are detected early, treatment can begin long before cancer develops, leading to excellent outcomes.
Routine screenings allow healthcare providers to identify abnormal or precancerous cells early, significantly reducing the risk of advanced disease.
HPV and Cervical Health
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. It’s extremely common, and most sexually active individuals will encounter it at some point. In many cases, the body clears the virus naturally. However, certain high-risk strains can persist and cause cellular changes if left undetected.
Because HPV often has no symptoms, screening plays a critical role in identifying potential risks early.
Screening Options: What Women Should Know
Cervical cancer screening generally includes:
- Pap tests, which check for abnormal cervical cells
- HPV testing, which looks for high-risk HPV strains
Screening recommendations vary based on age, health history, and prior results. Providers at Women's Health Associates help patients determine the screening schedule that’s right for them.
The Role of HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine helps protect against the most common high-risk strains associated with cervical cancer. While it’s recommended at a younger age, it may also benefit adults who have not yet been vaccinated. Even after vaccination, routine screening remains important.
A Holistic Approach to Cervical Health
Beyond screening and vaccination, everyday habits also support cervical health. Annual well-woman visits at Women's Health Associates provide an opportunity to review risk factors, address concerns, and stay proactive about preventive care.
Want a deeper look at cervical cancer prevention and screening?
👉 Click here to read more in our complete Cervical Health Awareness Month guide.
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