Early Detection and Prevention Guidelines for Cervical Cancer
Date: 06/04/26
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026 approximately 13,490 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, with about 4,200 deaths expected. Cervical cancer is most diagnosed in women ages 35-64 with an average age at diagnosis of 50. However, risk persists as women age, and many older patients may not recognize that screening remains important. Notably, more than 20% of cervical cancer cases occur in women over age 65. Providers play a key role in reinforcing the importance of appropriate screening and discussing cervical cancer risk with eligible patients.
Persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Approximately half of individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer have never been screened. When identified early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.
Routine pap testing remains one of the most effective screening methods for detecting cervical cancer and precancerous changes. Early detection supports timely diagnosis, improves treatment outcomes, and can prevent precancerous conditions from progressing to cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination also plays an important role in prevention. Vaccination can protect children, adolescents, and young adults from certain HPV types linked to multiple careers. Specifically, the vaccine helps prevent infection with HPV-16 and HPV-18, the strains responsible for most cervical cancers and many precancerous lesions, as well as cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and throat.
Providers can support Superior HealthPlan members by discussing recommended cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination strategies and reinforcing the importance of early detection and prevention methods outlined in the tables below:
HPV Testing
Age | Pap/Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Tests |
Females, 25 - 65 years of age | HPV testing every 5 years. OR If primary HPV testing is not available, screening may be done that combines HPV test with Pap test every 5 years. OR Pap test every 3 years. |
Females, over 65 years of age | Stop cervical cancer screening for those who have had regular screenings for 10 years with normal results and no history of serious diagnosis within the past 25 years. Women older than 65 need a Pap test if they have never been tested or if they have not been tested after age 60. |
HPV Vaccinations
Age | Type of Vaccination | Second Dose | Third Dose |
All members, 9 - 14 years of age | 2-dose vaccination series (Two doses, 6–12 months apart) | Within 6-12 months after the initial dose. | If the second dose is administered earlier than 5 months after the first dose, administer a third dose at least 4 months after the second dose. |
All members, 15 - 26 years of age and 27-45 years of age* | 3-dose vaccination series (Three doses at 0, 1–2, and 6 months) | Within 1-2 months after the initial dose, at minimum 4 weeks between 1st and 2nd dose. | Within 6 months after the first dose, at minimum at least 12 weeks between 2nd and 3rd dose, and 5 months between 1st and 3rd dose. |
Immunocompromised persons (including those with HIV infection), aged 9 – 26 years of age | 3-dose vaccination series (Three doses at 0, 1–2, and 6 months) | Within 1-2 months after the initial dose, at minimum 4 weeks between 1st and 2nd dose. | Within 6 months after the first dose, at minimum at least 12 weeks between 2nd and 3rd dose, and 5 months between 1st and 3rd dose. |
*Routine HPV vaccination is not recommended for all adults over 26 years old but may be indicated for some adults ages 27-45 in consultation with a medical professional.
Please note: Women who have been vaccinated for HPV will still need regular Pap tests.
For additional information on the guidelines above, please visit Superior’s Immunization Toolkit.
Superior reports annually on the percentage of members, 21 to 64 years of age, who were recommended for a routine cervical cancer screening and were screened for cervical cancer. Superior also reports on the percentage of adolescents who have turned 13 years of age and have completed the HPV vaccine series on or between their 9th and 13th birthdays.
To see more information on the stats and guidelines mentioned above, or to find more information on cervical cancer screenings, please visit the American Cancer Society Cervical Cancer Prevention webpage. For information on HPV vaccinations please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention HPV Vaccine Schedule and Dosing webpage.