Staying Ahead of Cancer with the Latest Medical Standards
For nearly two decades, our firm has advocated for patient safety and proactive health management. As medical technology evolves, so do the standards of care. In 2026, we have more tools than ever to make cervical cancer a “preventable” disease.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a misdiagnosis or a failure to follow these current protocols, understanding these nine steps is the first step toward justice and health.
Prioritize Primary HPV Testing
The traditional “Pap smear” is no longer the only—or even the preferred—first line of defense for many. Current 2025/2026 standards from the American Cancer Society (ACS) now preferentially recommend Primary HPV Testing every five years for individuals aged 25 to 65. Unlike a Pap test, which looks for cell changes, the HPV test identifies the virus that causes those changes before cancer even begins.
Know the New Screening Timelines
Medical guidelines have shifted to reduce “over-screening” while increasing accuracy.
- Ages 21–24: While the ACS now prefers starting at age 25, the USPSTF continues to recommend a Pap test every 3 years starting at age 21. Because guidelines are currently split, this is a key area for “Shared Decision Making” with your doctor. If you are under 25, you are still entitled to—and many providers still recommend—screening starting at age 21.
- Ages 25–65: The gold standard is a Primary HPV test every 5 years. If your doctor still uses “Co-testing” (Pap + HPV), that is also every 5 years. If only a Pap test is available, it should be every 3 years. If a patient uses a self-collection test kit, the recommended interval for repeat testing after a negative result is every 3 years.
- Over 65: Screening may stop if you have had 10 years of negative HPV tests or co-testing, with the final test performed at or after age 65. If you had only Pap tests, you need 3 consecutive negative results to stop screening.
Ask About Self-Collection Options
In a major shift for 2024 and 2025, the FDA approved HPV self-collection. This allows patients to collect their own vaginal sample (often in a private area of a clinic or even at home via mail-in kits). This is a breakthrough for those who find pelvic exams a barrier to care. If you are overdue for a screening, ask your provider if a self-collected HPV test is an option for you.
Get the HPV Vaccine (Even as an Adult)
While the vaccine is most effective when given between ages 9 and 12, the Gardasil-9 vaccine is now FDA-approved for adults up to age 45. Even if you have already been exposed to some strains of HPV, the vaccine can protect you against others that cause 90% of cervical cancers.
Follow Up on “Abnormal” Results Immediately
Medical malpractice often occurs in the “follow-up gap.” If a screening comes back abnormal, the standard of care requires a specific roadmap—often a colposcopy (a closer look at the cervix) or a biopsy. Do not accept a “wait and see” approach without a clear, evidence-based reason from your doctor.
Don’t Ignore “Minor” Symptoms
Cervical cancer in its earliest stages may have no symptoms, but “red flags” should never be ignored. Consult a physician immediately for:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after menopause, or after intercourse).
- Persistent pelvic or lower back pain.
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
Practice “Shared Decision Making”
The 2026 guidelines emphasize Shared Clinical Decision Making. This means your doctor should discuss your specific risk factors (like smoking, which doubles your risk, or immune system status) to tailor your screening schedule. If your doctor isn’t discussing your options or risks, they may not be meeting the current standard of care.
Use a Specialist if Results are Persistent
If you have persistent “High-Risk” HPV or recurring abnormal cells, you should be under the care of a specialist, such as a gynecologic oncologist or a specialized gynecologist. General practitioners are vital for screening, but persistent issues require expert intervention to prevent progression to invasive cancer.
Be Your Own Advocate: Request Your Records
The leading cause of cervical cancer medical malpractice is the failure to communicate results. Always confirm your results yourself—do not assume “no news is good news.” Request a digital copy of your pathology reports for your own records.
When Medical Standards Fail You Despite these clear steps, doctors and labs sometimes make mistakes—misreading a slide, failing to order the correct test, or neglecting to inform a patient of an abnormal result. If you were regularly screened but still diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer, there may have been a breach in the standard of care.
Contact our office today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.