Cervical Health Awareness Month 2026: The Truth About Pap Smears, HPV, and Your Risk
What every woman should know—and why clarity should guide your care.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and every year I see the same mix of emotions in my patients: confusion about guidelines, anxiety about HPV, uncertainty about screening intervals, and worry about what results actually mean. It’s understandable—women receive a flood of conflicting messages about cervical cancer prevention, and the traditional healthcare system rarely takes the time to explain any of it clearly.
But here’s the truth: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
And with the right information and regular screening, most women can feel empowered—not fearful—when it comes to their cervical health.
My hope for you this year is simple:
Replace confusion with clarity. Replace fear with knowledge. Replace overwhelm with a sense of grounded confidence in your wellbeing.
Let’s walk through what actually matters.
What Is the Cervix and Why Does Screening Matter?
Your cervix is the small, donut-shaped opening at the lower end of your uterus. Cervical cancer develops slowly—over years—and begins with subtle cellular changes detectable on routine screening.
This slow progression is what makes cervical cancer so preventable.
When we catch abnormal cells early, treatment is straightforward and highly effective. Cancer is PREVENTED.
When we don’t, small changes can evolve into something more serious.
Screening is not about scaring —it’s about staying a step ahead.
The Role of HPV: What You Really Need to Know
Most cervical changes are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).
And here’s the part that most women have never been told clearly:
HPV is incredibly common—nearly everyone is exposed at some point.
This is not a sign that something is wrong. It’s not a judgment on your behavior. It’s not something to be embarrassed about.
HPV is a normal virus in the human population, and in the vast majority of cases, your immune system clears it naturally.
Only a small percentage of people develop persistent HPV, and an even smaller percentage develop precancerous changes.
Your body is wise. Your immune system is capable.
And most results are manageable with time and follow-up.
Understanding Screening: Pap, HPV Testing, and What’s Recommended in 2026
Screening guidelines have evolved—and it’s no wonder women feel confused. Here’s the simplified version:
Ages 21–29:
Pap smear every 3 years (assuming they are normal)
Ages 30–65:
One of the following for previously normal pap results:
- HPV test alone every 5 years
- Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years
- Pap smear alone every 3 years
If this feels complicated, don’t worry—what matters is that you’re screened regularly and your doctor explains it so that you understand what the results mean.
The real problem isn’t the guidelines; it’s the system that rushes women through visits without the time to explain them.
At Roots Health DPC, we slow down. We talk through your history, your risk, and your concerns.
You never walk out of an appointment unsure of what was done or why.
What Happens if Your Pap or HPV Test Is Abnormal?
Abnormal results for anything can be a little scary… but most of these represent low-grade, reversible changes that simply require follow-up.
Here’s the breakdown:
ASC-US or LSIL:
Usually mild changes. Often related to transient HPV. Often resolves on its own.
HPV positive:
Common. Not an emergency. Often cleared by your immune system.
HSIL or more advanced changes:
Needs closer follow-up, sometimes a colposcopy. Still highly treatable when caught early.
Abnormal does not mean cancer. It means we need to take next screening steps and support your body appropriately.
HPV Vaccination: Your Best Preventive Tool
The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective cancer-prevention tools ever created.
Who should get it?
- Recommended for ages 9–26
- Can be given up to age 45 for many adults
Vaccination + screening is the strongest combination to prevent cervical cancer.
How DPC Supports Better Women’s Health
Women’s health isn’t a checklist—it’s a conversation.
At Roots Health DPC, your cervical health screening includes:
✓ Unhurried visits
Time to ask questions, understand results, and talk through your concerns.
✓ Personalized recommendations
No guessing. No cookie-cutter screening schedules.
✓ Rapid follow-up when needed
No waiting months to be seen.
✓ A physician who knows your story
History matters. Patterns matter. Your lived experience matters.
✓ Affordable, transparent pricing
No surprise bills—ever.
This kind of care is what allows women to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Your screening should never feel like an afterthought.
This Year, Choose Clarity Over Fear
If you’ve been putting off your Pap smear…
If you’re unsure about your HPV status…
If you’ve had abnormal results in the past…
If you’re not sure when your last screening was…
This is your gentle nudge toward clarity. Your body already knows how to move toward wellbeing.
Screening simply gives us the information to support you along the way.
If You Want Support With Your Cervical Health This Year…
If you want your women’s health to feel clear, grounded, and connected—not rushed or confusing—
