PREVENTION
Increasing screening and prevention are key components of the effort to eradicate cervical cancer. Since almost all cases of the disease are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, vaccines that protect against the virus could prevent the vast majority of cases. Moreover, regular pap tests can catch and lead to treatment of the disease at the precancerous stage.
Mid-1940s, Dr. Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou’s ‘Pap smear’ cancer screening method was practiced and is now considered the most successful cancer screening test. With these positive steps forward, experts adjusted cervical cancer screening guidelines in 2012. Prior to this, cervical cancer was usually recommended annually for all women. The latest guidelines state:
- Women under age 21 should not receive cervical cancer screening
- Women aged 21 to 29 should receive a Pap test every three years
- Women aged 30 to 65 should receive a Pap test AND HPV testing (co-testing) every five years, OR a Pap test alone every three years and HPV test alone every five years
- Women over age 65 should not receive cervical cancer screening after adequate negative prior screening results
TYPES OF VACCINES
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three vaccines – Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix – that prevent infection with certain subtypes of HPV including 16 and 18, two high-risk HPVs that cause some 70 percent of cervical cancers.
Vaccines are most effective when taken before exposure to H.P.V; therefore, regular screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer.
HPV VACCINE
Who Should Get HPV Vaccine?
HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 11–12 years. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9 years. All preteens need HPV vaccination, so they are protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life.
- Teens and young adults through age 26 years who didn’t start or finish the HPV vaccine series also need HPV vaccination.
CDC recommends that 11- to 12-year-olds receive two doses of HPV vaccine 6 to 12 months apart.
Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years.
- Some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination for them.
HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, because more people in this age range have already been exposed to HPV.
LOWERING CHANCES TO GET HPV
There are two steps you can take to lower your chances of getting HPV and diseases from HPV:
- Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect men against warts and certain cancers caused by HPV. Ideally, you should get vaccinated before ever having sex.
- Use condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting all STIs, including HPV. However, HPV can infect areas the condom does not cover. So, condoms may not offer full protection against getting HPV.
At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection.
MEN AND HPV
Most men who get HPV never have symptoms. The infection usually goes away by itself. But, if HPV does not go away, it can cause genital warts or certain kinds of cancer.
Talk to your healthcare provider about anything new or unusual on your penis, scrotum, anus, mouth, or throat. This includes:
- Warts,
- Unusual growths,
- Lumps, or
- Sores.
STATS FOR CERVICAL CANCER
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for cervical cancer in the United States for 2022 are:
- About 14,100 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed.
- About 4,280 women will die from cervical cancer.
- Hispanic women have the highest rates of developing cervical cancer, and Black women have the highest rates of dying from cervical cancer.
- As a result of the Pap test, cervical cancer deaths have decreased by more than 70 percent in the United States.
Cervical Cancer Awareness
Prevention and Early Detection Saves Lives
Cervical cancer occurs when there is abnormal cell growth in the cervix, the lower and narrow part of the uterus. Before cancer forms, cervical cells can undergo dysplasia, a precancerous change that may progress to cancer if it is not detected and treated.
Most cervical cancer cases are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). As such, HPV vaccination offers strong protection, and routine Pap and HPV testing can detect precancerous changes early, when treatment is most effective.
Know Your Screening Options
Experts updated cervical cancer screening recommendations in 2020 and 2025 to reflect new evidence on prevention and early detection. Current guidelines include the following:
- Women younger than 21 should not receive cervical cancer screening.
- Women ages 21 to 29 should receive a Pap test every three years.
- Women ages 30 to 65 may choose one of the following options:
- Pap and HPV co‑testing every five years, Pap testing alone every three years, OR HPV testing alone every five years
- Women older than 65 may stop screening after adequate past negative results.
- Self‑collected vaginal samples are an acceptable option for average‑risk individuals ages 25 to 65.
- After a negative self‑collected HPV test, repeat testing is recommended in three years.
✅If you’re unsure which screening approach is best, your doctor can guide you based on your health history.
HPV Vaccination is Cancer Prevention
HPV vaccination is an important tool in preventing cervical cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccines Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix to protect against high‑risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), including types 16 and 18, which cause 70% cervical cancer cases.
Key points to know:
- Vaccination works best when given before exposure to HPV.
- Even with vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening remains important.
- Combining vaccination with routine Pap and HPV testing offers the strongest protection.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
Protect yourself with the HPV vaccine.
- Recommended for everyone ages 9-26, ideally at ages 11-12.
- Two doses are needed if started before age 15.
- Three doses are needed if started at age 15 or older.
- Adults ages 27-45 should consult their doctor about potential benefts.
Reduce your Cervical Cancer Risk
Taking steps to protect your cervical health can lower your chances of developing cervical cancer. Key prevention strategies include:
- Vaccination: Staying up to date with the HPV vaccine series offers strong protection against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancers.
- Screening: Regular Pap tests and HPV testing help detect abnormal cells early.
- Condoms: Using condoms correctly can lower the chances of getting STIs, including HPV.
- Partners: At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection.
Men and HPV
Men can get HPV, but there is no routine screening test available for them. Most HPV infections in men cause no symptoms and clear on their own. When the virus does not go away, it can lead to genital warts or certain types of cancer.
HPV vaccination rates among men remain low. Only 26% of men ages 19–26 have received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, even though vaccination can help prevent HPV‑related cancers.
Talk to your healthcare provider about anything new or unusual on your penis, scrotum, anus, mouth, or throat. This includes:
- Warts,
- Unusual growths,
- Lumps, or
- Sores
Cervical Cancer Statistics for Cameron County 📍🗺️
Population & Risk
- Hispanic women have the highest rates of developing cervical cancer
- 47% of our population are Hispanic women
- Only 35% of Hispanic women have received the first dose of the HPV vaccine.
- Local cervical screening rate: 72.8% (below national average of 82.8%)
Cervical Cancer Rates
Women in Cameron County face a higher risk of developing cervical cancer compared to state and national averages:
- 7 cases per 100,000 in Cameron County
- 6 cases per 100,000 in Texas
- 5 cases per 100,000 in United States
Myths vs. Facts
Myth | Fact |
Vaccines cause autism. | They don’t. Studies show no link. |
Natural immunity is better. | Vaccines protect without the risk of serious illness. |
Too many shots overwhelm the immune system. | Kids handle more daily from food and play. |
We don’t need vaccines anymore. | Outbreaks still happen when vaccine rates drop. |
Stay protected. Get your Pap smear or HPV vaccine at our clinics.
Cameron County Public Health
Clinics
Mary P. Lucio Health Center
Brownsville, Texas 78521
(956) 574-8745
San Benito Public Health Clinic
San Benito, Texas 78586
(956) 361-8244
Harlingen Public Health Center
Harlingen, Texas 78550
(956) 423-3516
To learn more about the vaccines we offer to eligible children and adults, feel free to contact our public health clinics OR we can insert the listing of the vaccines we offer through the TVFC and ASN Programs. I know that is a common question we receive at the clinics.
Texas Immunization Information Line: 1-800-252-9152.
Immunization Information for the Public on vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases. Immunization Information for Providers on latest info for health care professionals.
Every child needs these vaccines at these ages to be fully protected against some serious diseases.
For more information, visit: Immunizations | Texas DSHS