ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 31, 2025 – January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The Cancer Services Program is reminding people with a cervix age 21 and older to get screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs most often in people over the age of 30.
Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap tests and HPV tests), along with appropriate follow-up. Screening tests can find cells that may lead to cancer, which can be removed before cancer starts. Screening tests can also detect cancer early, when treatment may be most effective.
Cervical cancer does not usually have symptoms in its early stages, making regular screening key to finding it early.
Free Pap and HPV tests are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for people with a cervix ages 40 to 64 who do not have health insurance or who face other barriers to completing screenings and any necessary follow-up testing. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.
“People without health insurance are less likely to get cancer screenings. Cervical cancer is most often found in those who are rarely screened or have never been screened. Our program can help people without health insurance get screened,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual activity. Usually, HPV goes away on its own, but when it does not, cervical cancer can develop over time. The HPV vaccine can prevent infection from the nine most common types of HPV. The vaccine is recommended for children at age 11 or 12 but can be given between the ages of 9 and 26. Adults ages 27 to 45 who are not adequately vaccinated may also benefit from the HPV vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive the vaccine. If you do not have insurance that covers the vaccine, call 315-435-2000 for more information about the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic.
There are two tests that can find cervical cancer early. Cervical cancer screening tests are recommended for people with a cervix between the ages of 21 and 65. People ages 21 to 29 should be screened with Pap tests every three years. Those ages 30 and older may be screened with both Pap and HPV testing every five years. Routine screenings are an important step in finding cervical cancer early. More information is available at https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/screening/.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cervical cancer screening is important. Do not delay your screening. Talk with your healthcare provider, and if you are between the ages of 40 and 64 and do not have health insurance, call the Cancer Services Program at 315-435-3653 or visit onondaga.gov/health/cancer-screening-form to see if you qualify for free cervical cancer screening tests. Take care of yourself and schedule your screening today.