diff --git a/src/tlo/methods/cervical_cancer.py b/src/tlo/methods/cervical_cancer.py
index 111def3d9d..9a9c8c5d61 100644
--- a/src/tlo/methods/cervical_cancer.py
+++ b/src/tlo/methods/cervical_cancer.py
@@ -1239,7 +1239,7 @@ def apply(self, person_id, squeeze_factor):
                     tclose=None
                 )
 
-            else:
+            if in_stage4:
                 # start palliative care:
                 hs.schedule_hsi_event(
                     hsi_event=HSI_CervicalCancer_PalliativeCare(