January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month.

According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, more than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.

Cervical Cancer Prevention - Screening Saves Lives

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, Human Papillomavirus and screening is the best detection. Two screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.

Regular pelvic exams and Pap and HPV screenings are the best tools for prevention. The CDC recommends that all women begin regular screening for HPV and cervical cancer at age 21. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers - cellular changes on the cervix. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

If you are 21 years or older, the CDC recommends getting a Pap test every 3 years. Talk with your doctor about getting tested. If you’re between the age of 30 and 65 years, you can get both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years or a Pap test every three years. If you are 65 years of age or older, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if you meet several criteria.

Certain factors may put you at higher risk for developing cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer screening saves lives. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if cervical cancer screening is right for you.

Check out the infographics below to learn more about cervical cancer risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. Talk with your doctor for more information. If you're at high-risk and need navigation assistance, contact us.