Can I Lower my Risk of Cervical Cancer? Screening and Prevention

This is the fourth article in the Understanding Cervical Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on June 16, 2026

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in the world. Two things make this possible. The HPV vaccine prevents the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Regular cervical cancer screening can find abnormal cell changes before they turn into cancer. Together, these two approaches have the potential to eliminate cervical cancer as a major health threat.

The HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Currently available HPV vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which together cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers, as well as several other high-risk types.

The vaccine is most effective when given before a person is exposed to HPV. For this reason, vaccination is recommended for all preteens at ages 11 to 12, and can be given as early as age 9. The vaccine is also recommended for all people through age 26 who were not vaccinated as preteens. Some people between ages 27 and 45 may also benefit from vaccination. If you are in this age group and have not been vaccinated, talk to your doctor about whether the vaccine is right for you.

Getting the HPV vaccine does not replace the need for regular cervical cancer screening. The vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. People who were already exposed to certain HPV types before getting vaccinated will not be fully protected.

Cervical cancer screening tests

The Pap test

A Pap test, also called a Pap smear, is a procedure in which a doctor or nurse collects a small sample of cells from the cervix. The cells are looked at under a microscope to check for abnormal changes. A Pap test does not test for HPV directly. It looks for abnormal cells that may have been caused by HPV.

Pap tests have dramatically reduced the number of people who die from cervical cancer by catching cell changes early.

The HPV test

An HPV test checks cells from the cervix for the presence of high-risk types of HPV. It is often done using the same sample collected during a Pap test. An HPV test can find high-risk HPV infections before cell changes are visible under the microscope, giving doctors an earlier warning that closer follow-up may be needed.

Co-testing

Co-testing means having both a Pap test and an HPV test at the same time. This was a common approach in the past and is still acceptable under current guidelines.

What happens if my screening result is abnormal?

An abnormal screening result does not mean you have cancer. It means that some cells in the cervix look different from normal and may need further evaluation. Most people with abnormal screening results do not have cancer.

Depending on the result, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Repeat testing in a year or so. Some mild cell changes go away on their own without treatment.
• Colposcopy. A procedure in which a doctor uses a special magnifying device to look closely at the cervix. If abnormal areas are seen, small tissue samples called biopsies may be taken for further testing.
• Treatment of abnormal cells. If the biopsy shows significant cell changes, there are several procedures that can remove or destroy the abnormal tissue before it becomes cancer. These include LEEP, cryotherapy, cold knife conization, and laser treatment. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate approach based on the type and extent of the cell changes.

Other ways to lower your risk of cervical cancer

• Get the HPV vaccine if you have not already. Talk to your doctor about whether you are eligible.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk that an HPV infection will lead to cervical cancer. If you smoke, ask your care team for help quitting.
• Limit your number of sexual partners. Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of being exposed to HPV.
• Use condoms. Condoms reduce but do not eliminate the risk of HPV transmission.
• Know your body and report symptoms. Any unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pelvic pain should be discussed with your doctor.