January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – a time to recognize that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer. Every year, nearly 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. and about 4,000 women die from cervical cancer. (1)
The good news: there’s a lot we – women and men – can do to prevent cervical cancer. Vaccination and early detection through screening tests are key to preventing cervical cancer. Your primary healthcare provider offers annual wellness exams which play a big role in prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.
Contact your Konza medical provider today to schedule an annual wellness exam for yourself or your child. If you don’t have a provider, we’ll connect you with one.
GET INFORMED: KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER
- Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in people over age 30.
- When it is found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.
- Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. Most people will have HPV at some point in their lives.
- Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. (2)
GET SCREENED WITH PAP AND HPV TESTS WHEN RECOMMENDED
The Pap test and the HPV test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
When to get screened:
- Age 21-29: Start getting Pap tests at age 21. Based on your results, your healthcare provider will tell you when to get your next Pap test.
- Age 30-65: Talk to your healthcare provider about which test is right for you – a Pap test, an HPV test, or both.
- Age 65+: Your healthcare provider may tell you that you don’t need to be screened if you meet certain criteria.
Are you worried about the cost?
- If you have health insurance: Most companies cover these services at no cost to you
- If you have low income or don’t have health insurance: You may be eligible for a free or low-cost Pap test and HPV test through the Early Detection Works (EDW) Program.
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for cell changes on the cervix that are not normal – and might become cervical cancer if they are not treated. Both tests can be done in your medical provider’s office.
Learn more about what to expect during a Pap test
Watch: Cindy’s Story – Preventing Cervical Cancer
“If I didn’t go to that appointment, I might not be around for my kids,” says Cindy. Her cervical cancer screening test found precancerous cells. She shares her story in this video.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people do not know they are infected. HPV is so common that almost every sexually active person will get HPV at some point if they don’t get vaccinated.
There are many different types of HPV. In most cases (9 out of 10), HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. (3)
Watch: Jasmine’s Story – Preventing Cervical Cancer
GET VACCINATED: SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND LONG-LASTING PROTECTION
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It is also a major cause of cervical cancer.
The good news is: HPV can be prevented by a vaccine. HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV. CDC recommends HPV vaccination for:
- All preteens – girls and boys – age 11 or 12 years. (Can start as early as age 9)
- Everyone through age 26, if not already vaccinated
If you are age 27-45 and not already vaccinated for HPV, speak with your healthcare provider about your risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination.
Is the vaccine safe?
YES. Millions of doses have been given worldwide and it’s shown to be very safe and very effective at preventing HPV.
Learn more about HPV Vaccine for Preteens and Teens
Learn more about HPV Vaccination for Young Women
Sources:
(1) https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/index.htm
(2) https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm
