By Bisi Alli, DO, MS, dipABLM, FACP, FAMWA, LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt

January is a pivotal month for women’s health, spotlighting Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and HPV Prevention Week (January 27-31, 2025) — an opportunity to amplify opportunities for prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. Each year, more than 14,000 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States1 and globally, approximately 350,000 people die from this cancer.2 This underscores the urgency for heightened awareness and proactive action.

Understanding the Risks and Prevention Strategies

Iradicate cervical cancerCervical cancer is often linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus responsible for most cases of the disease. Prevention begins with a combination of HPV vaccination, regular screenings like Pap smears and HPV testing, and timely treatment. Early detection of cervical cancer is critical. When diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%.3

Dr. Bisi Alli, Co-Chair of Us vs. HPV, emphasizes: “To save more lives, every woman deserves the opportunity for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Expanding access to testing is essential for achieving this goal.”

Innovations Making a Difference in Cervical Cancer Prevention

This year’s year’s US vs. HPV Week theme, Turn up the HEAT on HPV through Health Equity, Advancement, & Technology, features advancements in HPV testing that has paved the way for increased accessibility. The FDA recently approved self-collection HPV tests in healthcare settings, addressing barriers such as cost, time, and discomfort with traditional testing.

These advances and equitable healthcare are crucial for reducing disparities and expanding lifesaving care worldwide.

Join the Movement: Register for the Us vs. HPV Global Webinar Series
The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) is dedicated to empowering communities through education and accessibility initiatives. As part of these efforts, AMWA and the Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC) will host the Seventh Annual Us vs. HPV Global Webinar Series from January 27–31, 2025:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12–1 PM ET
  • Wednesday: 10 AM–12:30 PM ET (A special film screening)

REGISTER

This free virtual series offers cutting-edge insights into HPV-related cancers, including cervical, anal, and head and neck cancers. Join us to learn how you can help make a difference.

Take Action Today—Tell your patients to protect their health and the health of their loved ones by staying informed.

  • Let them know the benefits of HPV vaccination, regular screenings, and early treatment options.
  • Encourage conversations about cervical cancer prevention in your community.

Together, we can reduce the burden of cervical cancer, promote early detection, and save lives. Visit HPV Cervical Cancer Prevention – American Medical Women’s Association for more.

Sources:

  1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures, 2025. Available at: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/FMfcgzQZSjgXBBJMLJNHkCSsJvldpdfr?compose=CllgCJqTfrDgpQkLnfbpxBxfTpWjGxSdFHbDqGRHbNnxsbzKSWjQRGxBbsxlFTQxBqJVnSNsKbq&projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
  2. World Health Organization. Cervical Cancer. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
  3. American Cancer Society, Cervical Cancer Survival Rates. Available at; https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival.html

About the Author

Bisi Alli, DO, MS, dipABLM, FACP, FAMWA, LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt, Principal at WellNEST Medicine LLC, and Associate Clinical Professor at Creighton University School of Medicine. Dr. Alli is on the American Medical Women’s Association Board of Directors and a HEAL Scholar & Payer Strategy Subcommittee Member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She is on faculty of the American College of Physicians (AP) Advance Coaching Services and a member of the ACP Professional Development and Fulfillment Committee.