Rise in HPV-Linked Cancers: Why Screening and Vaccination Matter

In the United States, declining screening rates and vaccine hesitancy are fuelling an increase in cervical cancer cases among women in their 30s and 40s. Here is what you need to know.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet cases are increasing in certain groups of women. Recent research published in JAMA Network Open found that the percentage of women screened for cervical cancer fell from 47% in 2019 to 41% in 2023, with women aged 21 to 29 the least likely to keep up with routine testing.

Women in rural areas face even greater challenges, being 25% more likely to be diagnosed and 42% more likely to die from the disease than women living in cities.

“Routine screenings identify abnormal cells early, allowing us to treat them before they turn into cancer,”

says Dr Verda Hicks, a gynaecologist and expert in HPV screening, stresses the importance of regular testing.

Key Facts and Figures

Annual Cervical Cancer Impact: Around 13,000 women are diagnosed each year, with 4,320 deaths reported annually.
HPV Link: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
Vaccination Success: HPV vaccines prevent 90% of cervical cancers. Among vaccinated women under 25, cervical cancer incidence fell 65% between 2012 and 2019.
Inequalities in Care: Nonwhite women, uninsured individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are less likely to access timely screenings or vaccinations.

Why Are Cervical Cancer Cases Increasing?

Declining Screenings: Fewer women are attending routine Pap or HPV tests, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.
Vaccine Hesitancy: Despite its proven effectiveness, only 61% of adolescents are up to date on the HPV vaccine.
Health Disparities: Barriers to care mean some groups are disproportionately affected.

Two Steps to Reduce Your Risk

Routine Screening - Women aged 25–65 should have an HPV test every 5 years, according to the American Cancer Society. If HPV testing is not available, a Pap test alone every 3 years is an alternative.
HPV Vaccination - The HPV vaccine is highly effective, protecting against the virus strains most likely to cause cancer. Adolescents are the primary target for vaccination, but it is available up to age 26.

“Cervical cancer develops over time, giving us ample opportunity to catch it early,”

says Dr Hicks.

HPV: What You Need to Know

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting over 90% of men and 80% of women in their lifetimes. Most infections clear on their own, but persistent high-risk strains can lead to cancer.

Reactivation: HPV can reactivate after years of dormancy, particularly during periods of weakened immunity.
High-Risk Strains: The HPV vaccine protects against nine strains, including those that cause 90% of cervical cancers.
Screening Saves Lives: Regular follow-ups allow doctors to identify and treat abnormal cells before they progress.

Preventative Measures Can Save Lives

Although cervical cancer rates have declined in younger women eligible for the HPV vaccine, those in their 30s and 40s are experiencing a worrying rise. Screening and vaccination remain the best defences, but stigma, lack of awareness, and unequal access to care are holding some women back.

Whether it is scheduling a routine screening or ensuring adolescents are fully vaccinated, taking preventative measures now can save lives. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, do not let missed check-ups or misinformation put you at risk.