Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. This month we emphasize the importance of regular screenings and vaccinations to prevent cervical cancer.

In the United States, 13, 360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed, and 4,320 women will die from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 64, with the average age being 50. It rarely develops in women younger than 20.

Lowers the Risk for Cervical Cancer

You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by getting screened regularly starting at age 21. The HPV (human papillomavirus) test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV Vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women. HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens and for everyone through age 26 years old. HPV Vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but it does not treat existing infections or diseases.

You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.

Schedule an appointment with one of our Primary Care Providers, TODAY!