Early Detection and Prevention Guidelines for Cervical Cancer
Date: 06/16/25
In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. and about 4,320 women will die from cervical cancer. Women between the ages of 35 and 44 are most frequently diagnosed with cervical cancer, with the average age being 50. Many older women don't realize that they are still at risk of developing cervical cancer as they age. Over 20% of cervical cancers are found in women over 65.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Half of those diagnosed with cervical cancer have never been screened. When detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.
Regular Pap testing is the most reliable and effective way to screen for cervical cancer. Early detection can help avoid delays in diagnosis and increase the chances of successful treatment. It can also prevent pre-cancer from turning into cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccination can also protect children, teens and young adults against infection from certain types of HPV and some cancers linked to those types. The vaccination can help prevent infection from HPV-16 and HPV-18 which cause most cervical cancers, precancers, as well as cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina and throat.
Providers can help Superior HealthPlan members by educating them on the early HPV detection and vaccination 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 | Within 6-12 months after the initial dose. | N/A |
All members, 15 - 26 years of age and 27-45 years of age* | 3-dose vaccination series | 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 | 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.