January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and District 2 Public Health urges eligible females to get routine screenings.
“Routine cervical cancer screenings are the best way to detect early changes in a woman’s body that may lead to cervical cancer.” Women’s Health Coordinator with District 2 Public Health, Brooke Smith said in a press release.
Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. According to data from the CDC, 12,795 new cases of Cervical cancer were reported among women in 2019. In the same year, 4,152 women died of this cancer.
More than 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a vaccine-preventable virus that is passed from skin-to-skin contact, usually through sexual contact.
Often, there are no symptoms of HPV; however, if left undetected, it could lead to cervical cancer. Thanks to widely available vaccines and cervical cancer screenings, it has become one of the most preventable cancers.
The CDC recommends vaccination for girls and boys ages 11 to 12. Teenagers and some adults are also eligible for vaccination.
Another preventive method is to have routine PAP screening tests beginning at age 21 years. If screening test results are not normal, it is recommended that you go back to the doctor. District 2 Public Health departments offer cervical cancer screenings through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Program to those who qualify.
HPV vaccines are available at all 13 health departments.
