Cervical Cancer Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cervical cancer affects the cervix, the narrow lower part of the uterus that opens into the top of the vagina. Each year, hundreds of people in Michigan are diagnosed with cervical cancer, but many of these cases are preventable with regular screening and HPV vaccination.

In Grand Rapids, residents have access to high-quality cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, as well as services coordinated by the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells in the cervix grow out of control. Over time, these abnormal cells can invade deeper tissues and spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.

Most cervical cancers are caused by long-term infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.

The Role of HPV in Cervical Cancer

HPV is very common in sexually active people of all genders. In most cases, the body clears the virus naturally within 1–2 years and it never causes problems. However, some high-risk HPV types can cause changes in the cells of the cervix (called dysplasia). If these changes are not detected and treated, they can slowly develop into cervical cancer.

How HPV Is Spread

HPV spreads through genital skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. You can get HPV even if you have only had one sexual partner.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

If you have HPV, the following factors can increase your risk of cervical cancer:

  • Smoking
  • Low immunity (for example, from HIV infection, certain medications, or chemotherapy)
  • A history of taking or being exposed in utero to the anti-miscarriage drug diethylstilboestrol (DES)
  • Not having regular cervical screening tests
  • Long-term use of certain hormonal contraceptives (in some cases)

Cervical Cancer in Grand Rapids and Michigan

In Michigan, cervical cancer remains a concern, especially for people who:

  • Have never been screened
  • Are overdue for screening
  • Face barriers to healthcare access

Cold West Michigan winters and travel difficulties can make it easy to postpone routine care. However, regular screening at clinics in Grand Rapids—whether at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or community health centers—plays a major role in preventing cervical cancer or catching it at an early, highly treatable stage.

The Kent County Health Department and local community clinics can help connect uninsured or underinsured residents with low-cost or free cervical screening and HPV vaccination.

Function of the Cervix

The cervix has several important functions:

  • Supports pregnancy by helping hold the fetus in the uterus
  • Produces lubrication for the vagina
  • Produces mucus that helps sperm move from the vagina into the uterus at certain times in the menstrual cycle

Because of its location and function, the cervix is accessible for screening tests that can detect HPV and abnormal cells before they become cancerous.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Infection with HPV and most early cervical cell changes usually do not cause symptoms. That is why regular cervical screening is essential.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (for example, between periods, after sex, or after menopause)
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic pain or pain during sex

If You Have These Symptoms

See a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids as soon as possible. You can make an appointment with:

  • Your primary care provider or OB/GYN
  • A gynecology clinic at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • A local community health center or Planned Parenthood clinic
  • Kent County Health Department clinics

Types of Cervical Cancer

There are two main types of cervical cancer:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • The most common type of cervical cancer
  • Starts in the thin, flat cells that cover the outer surface of the cervix (the part closest to the vagina)
  • The Cervical Screening Test (HPV test with or without a Pap test) is very effective at detecting changes that can lead to this cancer

Adenocarcinoma

  • Less common than squamous cell carcinoma
  • Starts in the glandular cells inside the cervical canal
  • Most cases are also caused by high-risk HPV types

Both types can be detected earlier when people stay up to date with cervical screening.

Cervical Screening Tests in Grand Rapids

Who Should Be Screened?

If you are a woman or person with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years and have ever been sexually active, you should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years, even if:

  • You feel perfectly healthy
  • You have no symptoms
  • You have received the HPV vaccine

What the Cervical Screening Test Does

The Cervical Screening Test:

  • Checks for high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer
  • May include a Pap test to look for abnormal cells in the cervix
  • Can detect changes long before they become cancer

If HPV is not detected and you have no symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, your risk of cervical cancer is very low, and it is usually safe to repeat the test in 5 years.

Practitioner-Collected vs. Self-Collected Tests

  • In many clinics, a practitioner-collected sample (taken by a doctor or nurse) can detect most cellular changes.
  • In some settings, self-collection may be offered. If HPV is detected on a self-collected test, you may be asked to return for a practitioner-collected sample so the cells of the cervix can be examined more closely.

Where to Get Cervical Screening in Grand Rapids

You can access cervical screening through:

  • OB/GYN and primary care practices at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers and community clinics in Grand Rapids
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs
  • Some Planned Parenthood and women’s health clinics

If you do not have insurance, ask about low-cost or sliding-scale options.

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

If your Cervical Screening Test shows HPV or abnormal cells, your provider may recommend further tests, such as:

Colposcopy

  • A procedure where the provider examines the cervix and vagina using a magnifying instrument (colposcope)
  • Allows the provider to see abnormal areas more clearly

Biopsy

  • A small tissue sample is taken from the cervix during colposcopy
  • The sample is examined under a microscope to check for cancer or precancerous changes

Cone Biopsy

  • A larger cone-shaped tissue sample is removed from the cervix under anesthesia
  • Can be used to diagnose and sometimes treat early-stage cervical cancer

These procedures are available at major hospitals and specialty clinics in Grand Rapids.

Treatment for Cervical Cancer

Treatment depends on:

  • The stage of the cancer
  • The type of cervical cancer
  • Your age, overall health, and future fertility wishes

Common treatments include:

Cone Biopsy

  • For some very early cervical cancers, the abnormal area can be completely removed during a cone biopsy.
  • May preserve the uterus and fertility in some patients.

Hysterectomy

  • Surgical removal of the uterus (and often the cervix)
  • May be recommended for early-stage cancer or when precancerous changes are severe and recurring

Radiotherapy

  • Uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells
  • Can be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

  • Uses anti-cancer drugs to stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying
  • Often used when the cancer is more advanced or combined with radiation

These treatments are typically provided at comprehensive cancer centers in Grand Rapids, such as those within Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, often in coordination with specialized oncology teams.

When a Cure Isn’t Possible: Palliative Care

If cervical cancer is diagnosed at a later stage and has spread too far for a cure, treatment focuses on:

  • Relieving symptoms
  • Improving quality of life
  • Providing emotional and practical support for you and your family

This is called palliative treatment. Palliative care services are available through local hospitals, hospice programs, and community organizations in Grand Rapids.

HPV Vaccine in Grand Rapids and Michigan

What the HPV Vaccine Does

The HPV vaccine helps prevent infection with the HPV types that cause:

  • Most cervical cancers
  • Many other HPV-related cancers (including anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and some throat cancers)
  • Most genital warts
  • The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active.
  • The recommended age is 11–12 years, but it can be started as early as age 9.
  • Catch-up vaccination is recommended up to age 26 for those who were not fully vaccinated earlier.

Dosing

  • For most healthy people starting the series before age 15, a single dose now provides strong protection (per current guidelines).
  • People with significant immunocompromising conditions (such as certain cancers, HIV, or after organ transplant) are recommended to receive three doses.

Accessing the HPV Vaccine in Grand Rapids

In Michigan, the HPV vaccine is widely available through:

  • Pediatric and family medicine clinics (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Kent County Health Department immunization clinics
  • School-based vaccination programs
  • Many local pharmacies

If you are under 26 and missed HPV vaccination at the recommended age, ask your GP or pediatrician about catch-up vaccination. Many insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine, and state programs may help cover costs for eligible children and young adults.

Local Support and Resources in Grand Rapids

If you are concerned about cervical cancer, HPV, or screening, the following local and regional resources can help:

  • Your GP, OB/GYN, or women’s health nurse
    For screening, test results, treatment, and personalized advice.

  • Kent County Health Department
    Information on low-cost screening and HPV vaccination programs.

  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers
    Support for uninsured or underinsured residents.

  • Cancer care centers at Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care.

  • Cancer support organizations (statewide and local)

    • Michigan-based cancer support groups
    • National hotlines and online communities for emotional and practical support

If you need language assistance, ask your clinic or hospital about interpreter services and translated materials.

Key Points About Cervical Cancer Prevention in Grand Rapids

  • Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV.
  • HPV and early cervical cell changes usually have no symptoms.
  • The only reliable way to know your risk is to have a Cervical Screening Test at the recommended intervals.
  • If you experience abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
  • There are two main types of cervical cancer: squamous cell carcinoma (most common) and adenocarcinoma.
  • Regular Cervical Screening Tests are an effective way to reduce your risk, especially for squamous cell cancer.
  • HPV vaccination and routine screening together provide strong protection against cervical cancer.
  • Residents of Grand Rapids, MI have access to high-quality screening, vaccination, and treatment through local hospitals, clinics, and public health programs.

If you live in or near Grand Rapids, talk with your healthcare provider about when you are due for your next Cervical Screening Test and whether you or your family members should receive the HPV vaccine. Early action can save lives.