Understanding cervical cancer: prevention, risks, and healthy choices

Cervical cancer can often be prevented — and when it’s found early, it’s highly treatable.  

In the United States, deaths from cervical cancer have dropped by more than half since the 1970s thanks to better testing and prevention. Knowing what puts you at risk and taking simple steps for prevention can help protect your health.  

What is cervical cancer?

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer happens when some cells in the cervix grow in an unhealthy way. These changes usually happen slowly over time. 

The good news is that regular checkups can find these changes early, before they turn into cancer. 

Signs and symptoms  

Cervical cancer may not cause any signs at first. 

Sometimes people notice: 

• Bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause 
• Unusual discharge 
• Pain or pressure in the lower belly or pelvis 
• Pain during sex 

If you notice any of these, be sure to talk with your Marathon Health provider. They can help you get the care you need.

What causes it? 

Most cervical cancers are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). 
HPV spreads through sexual contact.  

The good news is that HPV-related cervical cancer can be prevented with vaccination and regular screening.  

Who is at higher risk?

Some things can raise your risk for cervical cancer.  

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HPV and/or chlamydia 
• Smoking: Women who smoke are about twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don’t 
• Having a weakened immune system or taking medicines that lower your body’s ability to fight infections 
• Long-term use of birth control pills 
• Having three or more full-term pregnancies 
• Being younger than 20 at your first full-term pregnancy 

Preventative testing

Routine screenings and vaccines are powerful tools in lowering cervical cancer risk. 

Pap test 

This test looks for unhealthy cells in the cervix before they turn into cancer. 

• Recommended to start at age 21 and every 3 years if results are normal

HPV vaccine 

This vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. 

• Recommended for boys and girls ages 11–12 (can be given as early as age 9)
• Available up to age 26; adults ages 27–45 can talk with their provider about their options

Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, routine Pap tests remain essential.  

Healthy lifestyle choices

Taking care of your body can also help lower your risk for cervical cancer. 
Try eating foods that keep your immune system strong, such as: 

• Vitamin C: Broccoli, citrus, tomatoes 
• Vitamin E: Almonds, avocado, legumes 
• Beta carotene: Carrots, mangos, bell peppers 
• Selenium: Eggs, tuna, onions, brown rice 
• Folate: Leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, peas, nuts 
• Folic acid: Found in fortified grains like bread, cereal, and pasta 
• Take charge of your health

Take action today

 Cervical cancer is largely preventable with the right care and support. 

Talk with your Marathon Health provider about your risk factors, your screening schedule, and steps to support your long-term wellness.

Sources:
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Cervical cancer. American Cancer Society. Accessed 10/6/2025 from https://www.cancer.org/ cancer/types/ cervical-cancer.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024, December 11). Cervical cancer. CDC. Accessed 10/6/2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/ cervical-cancer/index.html
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). (August 21, 2018). Cervical Cancer: Screening. USPSTF. Accessed 10/6/2025 from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/ cervical-cancer-screening
Reynolds,Sharon. FDA Approves HPV Tests That Allow for Self-Collection in a Health Care Setting. (July 24, 2024).
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Accessed 10/6/2025 from https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/ cancer-currents-blog/2024/fda-hpv-test-self-collection-health-care-setting
Koshiyama, M. (2019). The effects of dietary and nutrient intake on gynecologic cancers. Healthcare, 7(3), 88. Accessed
10/6/2025 from https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare7030088
Cleveland Clinic. (December 27, 2021). Everything You Need To Know About Antioxidants. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 10/6
2025 from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-do-antioxidants-do
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Folate and cancer. Eat Right. Accessed 10/6 2025 from https:// community.eatrightpro.org/ecm-site-theme-1/erfc/healthy-nutrition-now/folate-and-cancer