advancing Women's Health
Cervical cancer and HPV
Labcorp offers timely, accurate and convenient testing options that can help curb rising STI rates and prevent cervical cancer.
In the U.S.*
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, as well as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.1 Fortunately, cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected early and managed effectively.
12,733
new cases of cervical cancer were reported among women1
4,138
women died of cervical cancer1
100,000
For every 100,000 women, eight new cervical cancer cases were reported and two women died1
*based off of 2018 data from the CDC
Screening patients for cervical cancer
Routine cancer screenings help prevent cervical cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the World Health Organization both recommend that women receive appropriate cervical cancer screening.1
Cervical cytology, primary high-risk HPV testing and co-testing are all effective in detecting cervical precancerous lesions and cancer.1
These screenings help to identify precancers that may lead to cervical cancer. In the U.S., women aged 18-65 who receive regular cervical cancer screenings are less likely to get cervical cancer and less likely to die from it. Women who are 65 or older should consult their healthcare provider to get recommended screenings for cervical cancer.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) continue to recommend cervical cancer screening initiation at age 21.2
Cervical cancer screening tests
| Test | Age <21 | Age 21-24 | Age 25-29 | Age 30-65 | Age >65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAP | Not recommended for screening | Screen every 3 years | Screen every 3 years | Screen every 3 years | Screening should be discontinued if patient has had adequate negative prior screening results and no history of CIN2+. See ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 168 for management of patient with history of CIN2+. |
| HPV | Not recommended for screening | Reflex to high-risk HPV when Pap is ASCUS is acceptable | Reflex to high-risk HPV is preferred when Pap is ASCUS | Screen every 5 years if both HPV and Pap are negative | |
| HPV genotyping | Not recommended for screening | Not recommended for screening | Not recommended for screening | If Pap is normal and HPV positive, reflex to HPV genotyping | If Pap is normal and HPV positive, reflex to HPV genotyping |
| Ct/Ng | If 24 years of age or younger and sexually active | If 24 years of age or younger and sexually active | If 25 years of age or older and have risk factors | If 25 years of age or older and have risk factors | Not recommended for screening |
HPV vaccination reduces cervical cancer risk
HPV vaccination is safe and effective at reducing cervical cancer risk. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12 (or can start at age 9 years) and for everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already.
The CDC recommends three doses of the vaccine for women aged 15-26. Three doses are also recommended for people aged 9-26 who have weakened immune systems, as well as some adults aged 27-45 who are not already vaccinated.
Working together to reduce cervical cancer risk
You can support women in reducing their risk for cervical cancer by:
- Educating parents on the benefit of HPV vaccinations for children and young adults before the age of 26
- Co-administering the HPV vaccination with other adolescent vaccines to reduce the number of clinical visits
- Screening women for cervical cancer during regular gynecological visits
- Discussing cervical cancer risk factors with your patients
Cervical cancer screening made easy
Labcorp offers an innovative, age-based test protocol to aid physicians when ordering cervical cancer and sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening tests. Clinicians can select a test number that will individualize cervical cancer and STD testing based on a patient’s age (from 21-65) based on ACOG guidelines.
Labcorp offers this age-based protocol as an additional tool to help you manage your patients. You can continue to order individual cervical cancer and STD tests as appropriate for your patients’ signs and symptoms.
Contact us to learn more about Labcorp’s women’s health testing and services
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Equity Prevent Cervical Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/cervical-cancer/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2022
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines. Practice Advisory April 2021. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2021/04/updated-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines. Accessed March 22, 2022