The month of January is dedicated to Cervical Health Awareness Month. Each year, more than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. One of the causes of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV), which is commonly spread through sex.
What Can You Do?
Get educated. Take the time to learn about cervical cancer risk and prevention. Educate yourself and those around you to help spread awareness.
Get vaccinated. Human papillomavirus vaccines can help prevent infection from HPV that may potentially lead to cervical cancer.
Get screened. A Pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer. An HPV test finds the virus that can cause these cell changes and helps healthcare providers know who is at risk for developing cancer. If you are a woman over 30 years old, ask your healthcare provider on how you can get tested.