Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer occurs most often in younger women.
Cervical cancer occurs in the lower, narrow end of the uterus, known as the cervix. Cancer develops slowly over time, beginning with a process called dysplasia, when abnormal cells appear in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells begin to appear and spread.
Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed in women ages 35 to 44. The most frequent cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus — also known as HPV.
Screening
When you should be screened.
Early detection saves lives. Find the recommended screening schedule for your age group.
Women 21 and Older
Screening or Vaccine
Pelvic Exam
How Often
Annually
Women 21 to 29
Screening or Vaccine
Pap Test
How Often
Every 3 years
Women 30 to 65
Screening or Vaccine
Pap Test
How Often
Every 3 years or every 5 years with HPV co-testing
Per Screening for Life guidelines dated July 2021.
Important Note
Women who have been vaccinated for HPV should continue to follow the screening guidelines for their age group.
Women Who Do Not Need Screening
- Have had their uterus and cervix removed.
- Have no history of cervical cancer or precancer.
Early Detection
A Pap test can predict future cancers.
Performed by your health care provider, a Pap test takes cells from the cervix and examines them under a microscope. It can detect changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.
Get screening support.
Need help paying for it?
Screening for Life is a program that can help pay for a screening if you can’t.
Learn More
Prevention
HPV vaccination is cancer prevention.
The main cause of cervical cancer is an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). There’s no cure for it, but a vaccine is available that can protect against the cancers that HPV causes. The vaccine is the best protection for children and teens, as long as they get the recommended dosage early to build their immunity.
Children age 11 and 12
Get two shots of the HPV vaccine six to 12 months apart. Adolescents who receive their two shots less than five months apart will require a third dose.
Two shots, six to 12 months apart
Children older than 14
If your teen hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet, talk with your health care provider about getting them vaccinated as soon as possible. If they’re older than 14, they’ll need to get three shots over a six-month period.
Three shots over six months
Can't pay for it? There's help.
The Immunization Program provides the HPV vaccine for Medicaid-eligible kids up to age 19, under the Vaccines for Children Program, and for adults with no insurance under the Section 317 Program. Public health clinics also provide the vaccine at no cost.
Causes
What causes cervical cancer?
Women at higher risk:
Have an infection from HPV
Two-thirds of cervical cancers are caused by HPV 16 and 18.
Are obese or overweight
Smoke
Cigarette smoking doubles the risk.
Eat a diet low in fruits and vegetables
Have an HIV or chlamydia infection
Have had an organ transplant
Have been exposed to the drug known as DES
DES is a synthetic form of estrogen linked to higher cervical cancer risk.
Have used oral contraceptives long term
Five or more years of use may raise risk.
Have had three or more full-term pregnancies
A full-term pregnancy before age 17 doubles the risk compared with a woman whose first pregnancy was at age 25 or older.
Treatment & Support
Treatment looks different for everyone.
Find personalized support, understand your options, and connect with care teams.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, Cancer Care Coordinators can help you find the services you need, when you need them. The services of these specially trained health professionals are free of charge to all Delawareans.
Learn MoreFree cancer treatment is available for up to two years to all Delaware residents who can’t afford to pay for it.
Learn MoreLearn how cancer stages are determined and what each stage means for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Learn MoreExplore clinical trial options that may offer access to cutting-edge therapies and treatments.
Learn More
Nurse Navigators
Delaware nurse navigators can help you get screened for cancer.
Whether you have insurance or not, Delaware nurse navigators can help you get screened for cancer and provide follow-up help when you get your results. Choose from the list below to call a nurse navigator directly between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or request a callback online.
or call directly between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Surviving Cancer
Tips for life after diagnosis.
We offer a variety of tools, programs, and resources to support healthy living after diagnosis.
Eating Well
Find nutrition guidance on the road to recovery.
Learn MoreExercising
Discover how an active routine can give you the best chance of recovery.
Learn MoreSelf-Management Program
Build skills to manage your health day to day.
Learn MoreSupport Groups
Talk with others about your cancer to guide choices and find support.
Learn More