How Cervical Cancer Screenings Save Lives—And When to Get One
September 28, 2026 | Tags:
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. When detected early and managed effectively, it’s one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, proving how important regular screenings are for maintaining your health as you age.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer develops when cells on the surface of the cervix grow abnormally. Nearly 90% of cervical cancer cases are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, an extremely common virus that spreads through sexual contact.
While most cases of HPV resolve on their own with no presenting symptoms, persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer. Many people diagnosed with cervical cancer have no known risk factors. Those risk factors can include:
- Smoking
- Irregular screening history
- HPV or other STIs, including HIV
- Having a weakened immune system
- Early sexual activity or an increasing number of sexual partners
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer symptoms usually don’t appear in the early stages and can develop without noticeable symptoms, which is why routine screenings are important. Early symptoms can include:
- Pelvic pain, including during sex
- Abnormal bleeding, like bleeding after sex, between menstrual periods or after menopause
- Watery, pale or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy or have a foul odor
As cervical cancer develops, symptoms can include:
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Bone pain or fractures
- Difficulty or pain with peeing, sometimes with blood in your pee
- Diarrhea, pain or bleeding from your rectum when pooping
- Fatigue
- Back pain or leg pain, including swelling in your legs
Some of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about concerns or new, worsening symptoms.
What is the importance of early detection of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when recommended screenings are completed regularly. In the U.S., about 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, often because symptoms don’t present until the cancer begins to spread. Most diagnoses occur among women ages 35 to 44.
Cervical cancer can progress quickly, making screenings essential for detecting and treating precancerous cell changes before they become cancer. Getting screened can save your life or the life of someone you love.
What are cervical cancer screening methods?
Cervical cancer screenings are recommended for women between the ages of 21 to 65. Women between the ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test, or “Pap smear,” every three years. A Pap test is a cervical cytology screening that involves collecting cells from the cervix to be examined under a microscope to check for abnormal changes.
Women age 30 and older should talk to their PCP about the testing schedule that’s right for them, including:
- A Pap test every three years.
- An HPV test every five years.
- An HPV test along with the Pap test every five years.
Talk to your provider about your next cervical cancer screening
Make your health a top priority. Cervical screenings including Pap tests and HPV tests are covered by your Medical Mutual health plan. Make an appointment with your PCP to discuss your risk factors for cervical cancer and recommendations for your screening schedule.
Medical Mutual can help you find a PCP. Use the Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find one in your plan’s network or call the Customer Care number listed on your member ID card.
Looking for health insurance coverage?
The right Ohio health insurance plan can provide you with quality coverage for lifesaving preventive screenings. Medical Mutual offers a variety of health insurance plan types designed to meet the unique needs of communities across our state. View our Medicare and individual and family health insurance plans to find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.