Cervical Cancer Prevention — A Message from Dr. Richard Tsambikos

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Richard Tsambikos, DO

At St. Vincent Health Primary Care Clinic, our providers are deeply committed to protecting our patients’ long-term health. One of the most important ways we do that is by helping prevent serious diseases before they start, including cervical cancer.

The good news is that cervical cancer is largely preventable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most effective strategies for prevention are vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and regular cervical cancer screening to identify precancerous changes early, before they become cancer.

The information below is what you should know and what we recommend at St. Vincent Health.

If you want an appointment with a primary care provider to discuss HPV, or any health concerns in person, call 719-486-0230.

 

HPV Vaccination: A Powerful Tool for Cancer Prevention

HPV is a very common virus, and certain strains are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers, as well as several other genital and throat cancers. The HPV vaccine provides strong protection against the most dangerous strains of the virus.

Current CDC recommendations include:

  • Routine HPV vaccination beginning at ages 9–12 years
  • Catch-up vaccination for individuals who were not vaccinated earlier, especially through age 26
  • For adults ages 27–45 who have not previously been vaccinated, vaccination may still be beneficial and should be discussed with a healthcare provider based on individual risk and potential benefit

Even if you or your child received the HPV vaccine in the past, routine screening remains important. While the vaccine is highly effective, it does not protect against every HPV type.

 

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Common Myths and Concerns About the HPV Vaccine

 

Despite strong scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of HPV vaccination, many parents understandably have questions. Below are some of the most common concerns we hear in the clinic and what the evidence shows.

“The HPV vaccine causes infertility”

This concern is not supported by scientific evidence. Large population-based studies and repeated safety reviews by the World Health Organization (WHO) have found no association between HPV vaccination and infertility or ovarian dysfunction.

A U.S. study evaluating women ages 18–33 found no difference in infertility rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. By preventing HPV-related disease that can require cervical procedures or cancer treatment, vaccination may actually help protect future fertility.

“Giving the HPV vaccine will encourage early or risky sexual activity”

Multiple studies have shown that HPV vaccination does not lead to earlier sexual activity, increased sexual activity, or riskier behaviors. Research comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated adolescents shows no difference in age of sexual debut, number of sexual partners, or rates of sexually transmitted infections.

HPV vaccination is a cancer-prevention strategy, not a message about sexual behavior. Receiving the vaccine does not influence values or decisions.

“My child is too young. They aren’t at risk for HPV.”

The HPV vaccine is recommended for ages 9–12 because it works best when given before any exposure to the virus. This timing is based on immune response, not anticipated behavior.

At younger ages:

  • The immune system produces a stronger and longer-lasting response
  • Protection is in place years before any possible risk

Vaccinating early does not imply that a child is expected to be sexually active. It simply ensures they are protected well ahead of time (CDC, WHO).

“Is the HPV vaccine really safe?”

Yes. HPV vaccines have been studied extensively and monitored for safety for nearly two decades.

  • Over 135 million doses have been administered in the United States
  • Ongoing surveillance by CDC, FDA, and WHO continues to show no serious safety concerns
  • Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as arm soreness or headache

The HPV vaccine has one of the strongest safety records of any routinely recommended adolescent vaccine.

Cervical Cancer Screening: Detecting Problems Early

Vaccination alone is not enough. Regular screening remains a cornerstone of cervical cancer prevention.

General screening recommendations include:

  • Begin cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) at age 21, typically every 3 years if results are normal
  • Starting around age 30, screening options include Pap testing every 3 years or HPV-based screening every 5 years, depending on individual circumstances
  • Even for individuals who received the HPV vaccine, regular screening remains essential

By combining HPV vaccination with routine screening, we can dramatically reduce the risk of cervical cancer. These preventive steps save lives.

What We Offer at St. Vincent Health Primary Care Clinic

Our providers are committed to helping patients stay ahead of cervical cancer by offering:

  • HPV vaccination for eligible children, teens, and adults
  • Pap smears and HPV testing in accordance with national guidelines
  • Personalized guidance on screening intervals
  • Education and open discussions about HPV, sexual health, and cancer prevention

If it has been a while since your last cervical cancer screening, or if you have never received the HPV vaccine, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Please call 719-486-0230.