Health library

3 facts you should know about cervical cancer

3 key facts

1. Vaccines can prevent it. HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines block the viruses that cause most cervical cancers.

2. Screening saves lives. Cervical cancer was once a leading cancer killer of U.S. women. But screening has led to fewer cervical cancer deaths than in the past.

3. Getting screened on time is key. Routine tests can find abnormal cells before they become cervical cancer. Screening also can find cervical cancer early, when it is easier to treat.

You can take steps to lower your cervical cancer risk throughout your life. Find out how.

Reviewed 9/17/2025

Sources

American Cancer Society. "Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?" https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html.
American Cancer Society. "Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer." https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Reducing Risk for Cervical Cancer." https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/prevention/.
National Cancer Institute. "Cancer Stat Facts: Cervical Cancer." https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/cervix.html.
World Health Organization. "Cervical Cancer." https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1.