Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – Escambia County, FL | DOH-Escambia

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Pensacola, Florida – January 13, 2026 – Cervical cancer, a disease that once instilled widespread fear, is now largely preventable, yet remains a significant health threat, particularly for some communities. The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is observing Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to emphasize the importance of regular screenings and HPV vaccination.

Understanding the Silent Threat and How to Fight back

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women, but proactive steps can dramatically reduce risk.

• Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Regular screening tests, like Pap smears and HPV tests, can detect precancerous changes.
• HPV vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.
• Black women are diagnosed with cervical cancer at a higher rate and are more likely to die from the disease than white women.

Early detection is key when it comes to cervical cancer. the disease often develops slowly, with few noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings crucial for identifying and treating precancerous changes before they progress to cancer.

The HPV Connection: A Preventable Cancer

The vast majority – almost all – cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection. Fortunately, HPV vaccines are available and highly effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV that cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers. The Centers for disease control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination for adolescents,ideally starting at ages 11 or 12,but it can be given up to age 26.

The HPV vaccine is not just for young people. Adults up to age 26 who were not adequately vaccinated as adolescents can still benefit from vaccination. Discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider.

Screening: your First Line of Defense

Even with vaccination, regular screening remains vital. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 25 to 65 undergo a primary HPV test every five years. If primary HPV testing is not available, women can undergo a Pap test every three years, or a Pap test with an HPV test (co-testing) every five years.