The medical community seldom has the chance to nearly eradicate a disease, but that is the ultimate aim for cervical cancer.
January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about preventative measures. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 14,000 new cervical cancer cases are expected in 2025. However, a strategic combination of vaccinations and regular screenings is making significant progress toward making cervical cancer a thing of the past.
A Common Factor
More than 99% of annual cervical cancer diagnoses can be traced back to one virus: the human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a prevalent virus transmitted through intimate contact, with 80% to 90% of people experiencing an HPV infection at some point in their lives, often without displaying any symptoms.
Complicating matters, HPV can remain inactive for months or even years before reappearing later in life.
There are over 200 strains of HPV. While most are usually eliminated by the immune system, over a dozen strains are classified as high-risk for cancer-related issues, including cancers affecting the throat, penis, vulva, and more.
Among these high-risk strains, two—HPV-16 and HPV-18—are primarily responsible for cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American women.
Can a Vaccine Prevent Cancer?
While a world free of cervical cancer seems almost too optimistic, evidence supports this claim. From 2012 to 2019, cervical cancer rates among women under 25 dropped by 65% in the United States, a decline attributed to the introduction of the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, in 2006.
The Importance of Preventative Screenings
Preventative screenings, along with HPV vaccinations, play a crucial role in continuing to lower cervical cancer rates.
Historically, women had to undergo in-office pelvic exams and HPV/Pap tests for cervical cancer screening. However, in May 2025, the FDA approved at-home HPV tests, which are now available across the country.
In celebration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the St. Christopher Fund (SCF) is thrilled to integrate cervical cancer screenings into its Get Preventative Screenings (GPS) program alongside colorectal and prostate cancer screenings.
How Often Should Women Be Screened for HPV?
For women aged 30-65, HPV testing is suggested every five years. After 65, testing may be discontinued if previous HPV and Pap test results were normal and there’s no history of precancerous tissue. Women aged 21-29 are recommended to have a Pap test every three years, as frequent HPV testing could lead to unnecessary treatments for infections that are likely to clear naturally.
Early Testing Leads to Better Outcomes
As with many diseases, early detection of high-risk HPV infections and cervical cancer improves outcomes significantly.
HPV lesions can often be treated through various in-office procedures. However, once these lesions progress to cancer, more intensive treatments become necessary, negatively impacting long-term prognosis.
In the early stages, cervical cancer boasts a five-year survival rate of 91%. If the disease spreads regionally, this rate drops to 62%, and it dwindles further to only 19.5% if it metastasizes throughout the body.
The encouraging news is that cervical cancer typically develops slowly, often taking years to progress from HPV lesions, which are usually easy to detect and treat.
Convenient At-Home Testing
At-home HPV testing eliminates many barriers associated with cervical cancer screenings, particularly for long-haul drivers. An in-office visit is no longer necessary unless symptoms arise or test results are abnormal.
This method also spares individuals from the discomfort of visiting a clinical setting; the at-home process consists of a simple vaginal swab, which is sent back in a prepaid mailer to a certified lab. Results are typically available within a few weeks.
The St. Christopher Fund is finalizing plans to offer free at-home cervical cancer screenings to Class A OTR drivers nationwide.
To pre-register for a cervical cancer screening kit or other at-home cancer screening options, visit truckersfund.org/gps.
For questions, comments, or topic suggestions, please reach out to Lindsey Bryan, our health and wellness manager, at [email protected].
