[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/reducing-cervical-cancer-risk\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/reducing-cervical-cancer-risk\/","headline":"Reducing Cervical Cancer Risk: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists","name":"Reducing Cervical Cancer Risk: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists","description":"Women can take several steps to reduce their risk for developing cervical cancer, according to Ami P. Vaidya, MD.","datePublished":"2026-03-18","dateModified":"2026-03-18","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"ceastway","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2255859154.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2255859154.jpg","height":483,"width":724},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/reducing-cervical-cancer-risk\/","about":["Uncategorized","All Cancers"],"wordCount":1907,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReducing Cervical Cancer Risk: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarch 18, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWomen can take several steps to reduce their risk for developing cervical cancer, according to Ami P. Vaidya, MD.\u201cTwo of the main ways women can protect themselves relate to the human papillomavirus, or HPV,\u201d says Dr. Vaidya, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist who practices with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) at the John Theurer Cancer Center of Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. RCCA is one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists, with more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area.The cancer specialist explains that HPV is a very common viral infection spread through skin contact, including during sex. While people with robust immune systems often clear the virus, it sometimes can persist, she notes. Dr. Vaidya adds that just like influenza and other viruses, there are different types of HPV and that they vary significantly in the threat they pose to health. \u201cMore than 200 types of HPV have been identified, with about a dozen of those associated with high risk for developing cervical cancer. Two of those high-risk types, HPV 16 and HPV 18, account for 70% of cases of cervical cancer worldwide,\u201d1,2 she says.Dr. Vaidya says being vaccinated against HPV before age 17 has been shown to reduce women\u2019s risk of later developing cervical cancer by 88%.3 \u201cThat finding came from a 2020 Swedish study that followed more than 1.6 million girls and women over more than a decade. The study\u2019s results are in keeping with other research that prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend HPV vaccination for children at ages 11 and 12. The CDC adds that vaccination can be started at age 9 and is recommended through age 26 for those who were not adequately vaccinated when they were younger.4In the Swedish study, women who were vaccinated between ages 17 and 30 saw their cervical cancer risk cut by 53%,\u201d Dr. Vaidya explains.The gynecologic oncologist continues, \u201cThe National Cancer Institute notes that some adults ages 27 to 45 who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after talking with their doctor about their risk of new HPV infections.2 However, vaccination does not treat a current HPV infection. So, in terms of vaccination, which is the first way women can protect themselves from the impact of HPV, the earlier, the better.\u201dDr. Vaidya\u2019s colleague Joseph McLaughlin, MD, adds that the earlier-the-better adage also pertains to the second way women can protect themselves from HPV-related problems \u2013 prompt detection of the virus and any cervical changes it may be causing.\u201cCervical cancer usually develops over the course of many years and is preceded by precancerous changes to the cells and tissues involved. Just as a gastroenterologist can remove precancerous intestinal polyps at colonoscopy and a dermatologist can remove precancerous moles identified at a skin examination, an Ob\/Gyn can diagnose and treat these precancerous conditions when women have regular cervical screening,\u201d says Dr. McLaughlin, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in RCCA\u2019s Manchester, CT offices.Dr. McLaughlin adds, \u201cRecent years have seen significant advances in screening technology and capabilities, with primary HPV testing performed by a clinician replacing the traditional Pap smear as the screening method now preferred by the American Cancer Society,5 other organizations, and most clinicians.\u201d He notes that the cancer society\u2019s latest guideline calls for women at average risk for cervical cancer to:begin screening at age 25 and continue screening at least until age 65be tested every 5 years if their healthcare provider performs primary HPV testing or co-testing with both the HPV test and Pap smearbe tested every 3 years if they have only a Pap smear or if they perform self-collected testing using FDA-approved tests and collection devices available through a healthcare provider.5\u00a0\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cRecent years have seen tremendous advances in our ability to treat cervical cancer, including new surgical, radiotherapy, and medical approaches, with immunotherapy and targeted therapy regimens being particularly noteworthy.\u201d\u2028\u2028\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t- Ami P. Vaidya, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cPrimary HPV testing performed by a clinician has replaced the traditional Pap smear as the cervical cancer screening method preferred by the American Cancer Society, other organizations, and most clinicians.\u201d  Joseph McLaughlin, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cI want to stress that the American Cancer Society has termed primary HPV testing by a healthcare provider is its preferred method for cervical screening,\u201d5 Dr. McLaughlin says. \u201cAdditionally, it is important to understand that these recommendations apply to women at average risk of the disease. If you are at elevated risk, whether due to past abnormal screening results or other factors, your Ob\/Gyn or other healthcare provider will talk with you about the screening frequency that is best suited to your specific situation.\u201dBeyond HPV: Two Key Modifiable Risk Factors for Cervical CancerDr. Vaidya notes that smoking and obesity also are risk factors for cervical cancer, just as they are for many other cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions. \u201cWomen who smoke face roughly twice the risk of developing cervical cancer as non-smokers.6 Meanwhile, several studies have shown that cervical cancer rates are higher in women who are overweight or obese than in women with a lower body mass index, but the nature of the relationship between weight and cervical cancer is not fully understood.\u201d7The gynecologic oncologist continues, \u201cAs physicians, we know how difficult it is for a person to stop smoking or to reduce weight, but we also know how important both of those steps are. If you are a smoker or are dealing with weight issues, please talk with your doctor. Physicians are here to help, not judge, and several effective options for both smoking cessation and healthy weight loss are available.\u201dThe cancer specialist adds that other risk factors for cervical cancer include:having a weakened immune system, including because a person is taking medications that diminish immune response or has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);having had several full-term pregnancies; and,long-term use of oral contraceptivesDr. Vaidya notes, however, that the risks associated with multiple pregnancies and extended use of oral contraceptives are far smaller than those arising from HPV infection. Further, she says, \u201cUse of oral contraceptives has been shown to lower the risk of ovarian cancer, which is almost twice as common as cervical cancer and much more difficult to identify in its early stages and treat. A recent study examining data on more than 220,000 women found that having ever used oral contraception reduced the risk of ovarian cancer by 26% relative to not ever having taken birth control pills, with use of oral contraception after age 45 reducing that risk by 43%.\u201d8Dr. McLaughlin says, \u201cIn summary, there is a great deal that women can do to reduce their risk of cervical cancer and a great deal that Ob\/Gyns and gynecologic oncologists can do to treat precancerous cervical conditions before they progress to invasive cervical cancer.\u201dAdvances in Treating Cervical CancerDr. Vaidya notes, \u201cFurther, recent years have seen tremendous advances in our ability to treat cervical cancer itself, including new surgical, radiotherapy, and medical approaches, with immunotherapy and targeted therapy regimens being particularly noteworthy. This year, more than 13,000 women across the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.9 If, unfortunately, you or a loved one is among those women, we want you to know that we are here for you and that you have more reason than ever before to have hope for effective treatment and achieving the best possible outcome.\u201dFind Expert Cervical Cancer Care Near You in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C. AreaDr. Vaidya and Dr. McLaughlin are among 90+ medical oncologists and hematologists who practice with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists. RCCA has more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. RCCA\u2019s cancer specialists see more than 30,000 new patients each year and provide care to more than 265,000 established patients, collaborating closely with those patients\u2019 other physicians. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, as well as access to approximately 300\u00a0clinical trials. In addition to serving patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders, RCCA care centers also provide\u00a0infusion services to people with a number of non-oncologic conditions\u2014including\u00a0multiple sclerosis,\u00a0Crohn\u2019s disease,\u00a0asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, and\u00a0rheumatoid arthritis\u2014who take intravenously-administered medications.To learn more about RCCA, call 844-346-7222 or contact RCCA.ReferencesAmerican Cancer Society. Types of HPV. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/risk-prevention\/hpv\/types-of-hpv.html. Accessed January 20, 2026.National Cancer Institute. Cervical cancer causes, risk factors, and prevention. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/types\/cervical\/causes-risk-prevention. Accessed January 20, 2026.Lei J, Ploner A, Elfstron KM, et al. HPV vaccination and the risk of invasive cervical cancer. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(14):1340-1348.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: Information for Health Care Providers. November 16, 2021. Available at https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vaccines\/hcp\/by-disease\/hpv.html?CDC. Accessed January 23, 2026.American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society Screening Guideline for Cervical Cancer Screening. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/cervical-cancer\/detection-diagnosis-staging\/cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines.html. Accessed February 1, 2026.American Cancer Society. Risk factors for cervical cancer. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/cervical-cancer\/causes-risks-prevention\/risk-factors.html. Accessed February 1, 2026.Urbute A, Fredericksen K, Thomsen LT, Kesmodel US, Kjaer SK. Overweight and obesity as risk factors for cervical cancer and detection of precancers among screened women: A nationwide, population-based cohort study. Gynecol Oncol. 2024:181:20-27.Madakkatel I, Lumsden AL, Mulugeta A, et al. Large-scale analysis to identify risk factors for ovarian cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2025;35(8)101844.American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2026.Cervical Cancer By the Numbers13,490 \u2013 estimated new cases in the U.S. in 202614,200 \u2013 estimated deaths due to cervical cancer in the U.S. in 2026150 \u2013 median age at diagnosis268% — 5-year relative survival rate, 2015-2021275.8% — Proportion of women aged 21 to 65 who were up to date with their cervical cancer screening in 2023.3References:American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2026.National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Cervical Cancer. Available at https:\/\/seer.cancer.gov\/statfacts\/html\/cervix.html. Accessed February 4, 2026.National Cancer Institute. Cancer Trends Progress Report. Cervical Cancer Screening. Available at https:\/\/progressreport.cancer.gov\/detection\/cervical_cancer. Accessed February 3, 2026.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDeciding Where to Receive Cancer Care: RCCA Oncologists Outline Key 5 Considerations\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cMy uncle\u2019s neighbor was diagnosed with the exact same cancer, I think, last year and his specialist has been wonderful. I\u2019m going to get you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen You Diagnose (or Suspect) Cancer: 3 Reasons to Refer Your Patients to RCCA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cWhat happens next?\u201d \u201cWhere should I go for treatment?\u201d They are questions physicians often hear after informing a patient that they have identified confirmed or\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Blood Work\u2019 and Cancer Detection: 2 RCCA Oncologists Explain What Doctors Look for in Your CBC\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cYou\u2019re going to feel a little pinch.\u201d Each year, tens of millions of Americans hear that phrase, or words to the same effect, just before\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Reducing Cervical Cancer Risk: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/reducing-cervical-cancer-risk\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]