January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it continues to impact too many Ohioans.

According to Cancers Associated with Human Papillomavirus in Ohio 2023, a report from the Ohio Partners for Cancer Control (OPCC), an average of 476 new cases of invasive cervical cancer and 160 deaths occur in Ohio each year. Ohio’s incidence rate for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers is 11% higher than the national average, reinforcing the urgency of prevention efforts across our state.

HPV Vaccination: A Powerful Prevention Tool
Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination offers a safe and effective way to prevent HPV-related cancers before they start. The American Academy of Family Physicians’ child and adolescent immunization schedule indicates that the HPV vaccine is routinely recommended at age 11-12 years (can start at age 9 years) and catch-up HPV vaccination is recommended for all persons through age 18 years if not adequately vaccinated. Public and private health plans still cover the HPV vaccine starting at 9-45 years of age.

In 2021:

• 69% of Ohio females and 56% of Ohio males ages 13-17 were up to date on the HPV vaccine
• This falls short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80% vaccination coverage.

Improving vaccination rates, especially when the vaccine is administered at ages 9–12, before HPV exposure, can significantly reduce future cancer risk. Physicians and care teams play a critical role in recommending and normalizing HPV vaccination as routine cancer prevention.

Screening Saves Lives
Early detection through regular screening dramatically improves outcomes. In Ohio, the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 92% when diagnosed at a localized stage, compared with just 17% when diagnosed after distant spread.

While nearly 74% of Ohio women ages 21-65 report being screened within the past three years, gaps persist, particularly among patients with lower income levels or limited access to care. These disparities highlight the need for continued patient education, system-level improvements, and strong clinician recommendations.

Helpful Resources
To help address these challenges, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) offers the EasyPI: HPV Vaccination track, designed to support physicians and their teams in improving vaccination rates through practical, quality-improvement strategies. 

Care teams can also access evidence-based tools, patient education materials, and implementation resources through the HPV Vaccination Roundtable Resource Center.

Working Together to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Preventing cervical cancer requires coordinated action, from routine HPV vaccination and evidence-based screening, to addressing disparities and engaging patients in meaningful conversations about prevention.

This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage our members and their care teams to renew their commitment to prevention and early detection. Together, we can protect more patients and reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Ohio.

This spotlight is proudly supported by OAFP’s Partner in Health, Merck. All content and data are derived from independent, evidence-based sources.