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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to helping educate the public on how to prevent cervical cancer, primarily through the Pap Smear test, HPV vaccinations and HPV testing. Regular check-ups and screenings can catch issues early, making treatments more effective.

We recently interviewed Dr. Karina Hew, a gynecologic oncologist and OBGYN at ÂÜÀòÉç Jacksonville. Dr. Hew focuses specifically on cervical, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar cancers. She expressed the importance of cervical cancer being preventable and that good cervical health begins with getting regular checkups and screenings.

1. Why is cervical health important at every stage of a woman’s life?

Cervical health matters because cervical cancer is preventable. Providers can find and treat precancerous changes of the cervix, called dysplasia, before cancer develops through routine Pap tests. These changes often cause no symptoms, which is why regular screenings are essential at every stage of life.

2. How often should someone get a Pap smear or HPV test and how do guidelines vary by age?

• Ages 21–29: Pap smear every three years
• Ages 30–65:
  • HPV test every five years, or
  • Pap test every three years, or
  • Pap test and HPV test together every five years
• After age 65: Screening may stop if prior results were normal. Screening should continue if there is a history of high-grade precancerous changes or cervical cancer.

• After hysterectomy: Screening may stop if the cervix was removed, there is no history of high-grade precancerous changes and routine screening occurred before surgery.

Your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your medical history.

3. What are common signs or symptoms of cervical issues that people shouldn’t ignore?

Contact a provider if you experience:

• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pain during intercourse
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain

Many cervical changes cause no symptoms, which is why routine screening is so important.

4. How does HPV relate to cervical cancer and what role does vaccination play in prevention?

HPV is a very common sexually transmitted virus, and most cervical cancers are linked to high-risk HPV types. The HPV vaccine is a nonavalent vaccine, meaning it protects against nine types of HPV.

The vaccine is routinely recommended for ages 9 to 12 and is recommended for everyone through age 26 if not previously vaccinated. Some adults ages 27 to 45 may also benefit and should talk with their provider.

HPV vaccination helps prevent cervical cancer and protects against other HPV related cancers, including anal cancer, as well as genital warts. Screening remains important even after vaccination.

5. What advice would you give to someone who feels nervous or has delayed cervical screenings?

Feeling nervous or putting off a Pap test is common, and you are not alone. Cervical screenings are quick and routine and are usually done by your gynecologist or primary care provider. Your care team is trained to help you feel comfortable and respected.

If you are due for a Pap test, contact your provider to schedule your screening. It is never too late to take this important step for your health.

Visit ÂÜÀòÉçHealthJax.org/obgyn to learn more about cervical health, or to schedule your next Pap test or HPV screening at one of our locations.