JANUARY:
Cervical Health Toolkit
January is cervical health awareness month. Cervical health is an important health topic as cervical cancer was once the most common cause of cancer death for women in America. Thanks to awareness programs and modern medical advances the death rate for cervical cancer has dropped by 50 percent over the past 30 years. An increase in the use of screening tests is the main cause for this decrease in fatality. The most common cause of cervical cancer is Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
What do you need to know to effectively raise awareness about cervical health?
Common Cervical Health concerns:
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Human Papillomavirus
- An infection spread through sexual contact
- 79 million Americans are currently living with HPV, many are unaware that they are infected
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The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV
- This vaccine is available to men and women under the age of 26
- HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer
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Cervical Cancer
- Occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow out of control
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Easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular screenings
- Women age 21 to 29 should get a pap test every three years
- Women age 30 to 65 should get a pap test and HPV test every five years
- Highly treatable with early detection
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Cervical cancer symptoms
- Early cervical cancer may show no symptoms
- Advanced forms of the cancer may cause irregular discharges or bleeding from the vagina
- See a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms
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Cervical cancer risk factors
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Having HPV greatly increases the risk of cervical cancer
- HPV is more likely to develop the younger a woman begins having sex
- Engaging in intercourse with many partners or engaging in intercourse with a partner that has had many partners increases the risk of HPV and cervical cancer
- Smokers are at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer
- People with HIV are more likely to develop cervical cancer
- Women who have had three or more children face a greater risk of cervical cancer
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Preventing cervical cancer
- Getting the HPV vaccine protects against types of HPV that are known to cause cervical cancer
- See a doctor regularly for screenings
- Stop any tobacco use
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse
- Limit your amount of sexual partners