Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — yet too many women, especially Black and Brown women, are still being diagnosed at later stages. Awareness is power. Here’s what you should know.
📌 Key Facts about HPV
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S.
- Nearly 80% of people will contract HPV at some point in their lives.
- Most HPV infections clear on their own, but some strains can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and throat cancers.
- Vaccination protects against the most dangerous strains of HPV.
- The HPV vaccine is recommended starting at ages 9–12, and can still be given up to age 45.
📌 Cervical Cancer in the U.S.
- About 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year.
- More than 4,000 women die from it annually.
- Screening works: Pap tests and HPV tests can detect precancerous changes early, when treatment is most effective.
- Cervical cancer is almost 100% preventable with vaccination + routine screening.
📌 Racial & Ethnic Disparities
- Black women are more likely to die from cervical cancer than women of any other race.
- Hispanic/Latina women have higher rates of developing cervical cancer compared to white women.
- These disparities aren’t about biology — they’re about systemic inequities in access to care, follow-up after abnormal tests, and biases in healthcare.
📌 What You Can Do
- Get screened: Regular Pap tests and/or HPV tests starting at age 21.
- Get vaccinated: Protect yourself and your children against HPV.
- Know the symptoms: Unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during sex, or unusual discharge — talk to your provider.
- Advocate for yourself: Ask questions, seek second opinions, and don’t let your concerns be dismissed.
📌 Resources
- CDC – HPV & Cervical Cancer: cdc.gov/hpv
- American Cancer Society: cancer.org/cervical
- Project RIBBONS: Centering Black & Brown voices in cervical cancer advocacy
- Cervivor: A community of survivors raising awareness about HPV and cervical cancer