Cervical cancer rates are rising in women in their 30s and 40s why, and what you can do about it

Cervical cancer rates are on the rise among younger women, owing in part to a lack of awareness, screening and prevention.A new study found that the percentage of women screened for cervical cancer dropped from 47% in 2019 to 41% in 2023.Among the most preventable cancers, cervical cancer has been increasing in women in their 30s and 40s in particular.Experts say this population is the least likely to be up to date on their screenings, with 29% being overdue. Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina.

It is slow to develop, quietly growing for months or even years before it’s diagnosed.Before developing into cancer, it presents as abnormal cell changes and precancers.Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US.The CDC estimates more than 42 million Americans have one strain of HPV, with about 13 million people infected each year.

Over 90% of HPV-associated cancers could be prevented with the HPV vaccination.However, previous research has shown a sharp decline in public awareness that HPV is linked to several cancers, including cervical, oral, penile, and anal.

The HPV vaccine for girls and women between the ages of nine and 26 was approved by the CDC in 2006.It was expanded to boys and men in 2009 to protect against anal, oral and penile cancers.The original HPV shots protected against the two riskiest strains of the virus, responsible for 70% of cervical cancers.

However, updated HPV shots now guard against nine strains, effectively protecting patients against 90% of cervical and anal cancers, as well as most strains that cause mouth and throat cancers.Due to the change in the vaccine, those who have been vaccinated can still experience breakthrough infections and test positive for HPV.The CDC recommends that kids receive the HPV vaccination at around 11 or 12, with two doses recommended before their 15th birthday.Three dose...