(BPT) - Cervical Health Awareness Month in January serves as an important reminder that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can actually be prevented with regular screening. Thanks to the Pap test, and then the addition of HPV testing and HPV vaccination, the number of people getting cervical cancer has significantly decreased for more than 70 years.

Yet, despite the resources available to make sure no woman has to face this terrible disease, recent studies show that cervical cancer rates are plateauing, and in some cases even increasing. It's estimated nearly 14,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024, with more than 4,000 deaths.

This increase in disease is, in part, because fewer women today are getting screened for cervical cancer as often as recommended. Between 2005-2019, there was a surprising 60% rise in the percentage of women overdue for their cervical cancer screening. These delays lead to cancer being discovered later, when the disease has become more serious.

But it doesn't have to be this way. That's why Dr. Kameelah Phillips, board certified OB/GYN and founder of Calla Women's Health, is speaking up and raising awareness.

"It goes without saying that cancer of any kind is terrible, but the interesting thing about cervical cancer, specifically, is that it's preventable and highly treatable through regular, proactive screening," Phillips said. "It's my passion to make sure that women across the country know that it's within their power to take control of their health and to get screened with the best screening methods available."

Today, the most effective screening options include the Pap test every three years for women 21-29, and the Pap test and the HPV test together, also known as co-testing, every five years for women 30-65. Co-testing is considered the most sensitive method to detect cervical cancer and pre-cancer in women. If you receive an abnormal result, it's important to follow up with your doctor to determine the appropriate next steps. For most women, the screening exam is a brief, pain-free procedure, and working with a caring physician helps ensure their comfort throughout the appointment.

But the best screening options only work if women know they're available. "Existing cervical cancer screening tools are incredibly effective, yet our progress has stalled because too many women don't know they need to be screened or when to come in for follow-up care," said Phillips. "It's crucial to increase education on the importance of regular preventive screenings that happen during the annual well-woman exam so we can accelerate our progress toward eliminating cervical cancer."

More than half of cervical cancer cases occur in women who have never been screened or haven't been screened in the past five years, further reinforcing how important it is for patients to talk with their doctor about how they can stay up to date on their cervical health.

"We have made outstanding strides in preventing this cancer by using the Pap and HPV tests in screening. Now is the time to renew our commitment to education and access for all women," added Phillips. "By working together to prioritize regular screening, we can combat this preventable cancer and save more women's lives."