Baptist Health Paducah emphasizes cervical cancer prevention and early detection

PADUCAH, KY (Jan. 27, 2026) — Cervical cancer often develops without warning signs in its earliest and most treatable stages, which is why January’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month serves as reminder of the importance of routine screenings and vaccination. 

According to obstetrician-gynecologist Amber Savells, MD, with Baptist Health Medical Group in Paducah each year, about 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 4,000 dies from the disease. 

Cervical cancer develops when healthy cells on the cervix develop changes in their DNA.  These changes are almost always caused by the presence of a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Smoking, along with HPV infection, makes the chance of developing cervical cancer even higher.

The HPV virus is passed through sexual activity; most people will get HPV at some point in their lives and not realize it because their bodies fight off the infection, but there are some who are not so lucky. The best way to lower the risk of developing cervical cancer is for women to practice safe sex, get routine pap smears, and receive the HPV vaccine.

“By choosing to vaccinate and encourage regular screenings, we can help prevent the development of cervical cancer and save lives,” said Dr. Savells.

Pap smear testing has reduced cervical cancer deaths by more than 70% over the last 50 years. Dr. Savells recommends women should begin having Pap smear testing to screen for cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer beginning at 21, when co-testing for HPV infection is often performed.

Infection with the HPV virus has been associated with multiple cancers: cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and penile cancer.

“The HPV vaccine is unique because it is one of the only vaccines proven to reduce the incidence of cancer,” says Dr. Savells. “It provides protection against the HPV strains most likely to cause cervical cancer.”

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls starting at age 9, with the ideal age being 11 or 12. It is most effective before any exposure to the virus and is also recommended for young adults up to age 45 if they were not vaccinated earlier.

Most women with HPV do not experience symptoms, making regular screenings critical. If symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or vaginal odor occur, medical evaluation is strongly recommended.

For more information on how to protect against cervical cancer, call Baptist Health Medical Group OB/GYN at 270.443.1220.