Understanding HPV and cervical cancer
April 2026
At Providence, care is centered on the individual — with an emphasis on prevention, early detection and compassionate support. From vaccine guidance to routine screening and specialized cancer care, patients have access to personalized services designed to make care seamless and accessible.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet many people don’t realize how closely it’s connected to a common virus — or how powerful prevention can be.
According to gynecologic oncologist Christopher Darus, M.D., at Providence Cancer Institute, education, vaccination and regular screening play a critical role in protecting long-term health.
“Over 90% of cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus or HPV," he says.
How HPV can lead to cervical cancer
HPV is extremely common, and in many cases the body clears the virus on its own. When high-risk strains persist, they can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells over time, increasing the risk for cancer.
One of the biggest challenges with cervical cancer prevention is that early changes often go unnoticed.
“Unfortunately with pre-cancers of the cervix, there usually are no symptoms — hence the importance of screening," Dr. Darus says.
Routine screening allows providers to detect changes early, often long before cancer develops.
Why the HPV vaccine matters
Vaccination is one of the most effective tools available to prevent HPV-related cancers.
“HPV vaccination is extremely effective. It is currently approved for males and females from ages nine to 45. It's typically recommended to be given before age 12," Dr. Darus says.
Receiving the vaccine early offers the strongest protection, but people who were not vaccinated as children may still benefit later in life. A health care provider can help determine what’s appropriate based on age and individual health history.
Symptoms you should never ignore
While early cervical changes often don’t cause symptoms, cervical cancer may present warning signs as it progresses. Symptoms include:
- Abnormal bleeding
- Abnormal discharge
- Back pain
- Pelvic pain
Any of these symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider. Listening to your body and seeking care early can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.