Cervical Cancer Awareness
Screening still matters — even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine
Cervical cancer is highly preventable, and regular screening is one of the most powerful ways to protect your health. At PacMed, we want to ensure every patient with a cervix understands the importance of ongoing screening — including those who have received the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine significantly reduces your risk of cervical cancer, but it does not eliminate it. That means you still need routine cervical cancer screening, no matter your vaccination status. This aligns with leading clinical guidance and our own health‑promotion materials, which remind patients that screening is recommended regardless of whether you’ve been vaccinated.
Why screening is still essential — even after the HPV vaccine
- The HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against all cancer‑causing HPV types. While it covers the most common high‑risk strains, it cannot prevent every type linked to cervical cancer.
- Cervical cancer can take many years to develop. Screening helps detect early cell changes long before they become cancer.
Who should get screened?
You should follow routine screening guidelines if you:
- Have a cervix (regardless of sexual orientation, partner type, menopausal status, or whether you’ve stopped having children).
- Are between ages 25–65.
- Have ever been sexually active — even decades ago, since HPV can reactivate later in life.
- Have received the HPV vaccine — you still need screening.
Screening may differ if you’ve had abnormal results before, have a weakened immune system, or have had cervical cancer. Talk with your PacMed provider to determine the right plan for you.
Symptoms to watch for
Cervical cancer often develops silently, but symptoms can occur. Contact your provider right away if you experience:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
(e.g., bleeding after sex, between periods, after menopause) - Persistent pelvic pain
- Unexplained vaginal discharge
(especially watery, bloody, or foul‑smelling) - Pain during intercourse
Having symptoms does not mean you have cervical cancer — but they should always be evaluated.
Recommended screening options
Your provider will help you choose the test that’s right for you:
Primary HPV Test (Preferred)
- Checks for high‑risk HPV types.
- Done by your healthcare provider.
- If normal: test again in 5 years.
Self-collected HPV Test
- A soft swab you collect yourself in a clinic or at home.
- If normal: repeat in 3 years.
Co‑Testing (HPV + Pap Test)
- Done by your provider.
- If normal: repeat in 5 years.
Pap Test Alone
- Acceptable if HPV testing isn’t available.
- If normal: repeat in 3 years.
When screening can stop
Most people can stop screening at age 65 if they have at least three cycles of normal results when testing. Your provider will confirm whether you meet the criteria.
The bottom line
The HPV vaccine is powerful — but screening is still essential.
Routine cervical cancer screening saves lives by catching abnormal changes early, when treatment works best.
If you’re due for screening or unsure when your last test was, our care teams are here to help.
Make an appointment with your PacMed primary care provider today by calling 1.888.472.2633.
Reference: American Cancer Society