Cervical Cancer Awareness Month starts with HPV prevention
By Katie Minor
There are plenty of things we have given up during the course of this pandemic. We’ve opted to eat in instead of dine out, order online rather than shop in stores, and even given up seeing friends and family quite as often.
One thing you shouldn’t sacrifice because of COVID-19? Seeing your doctor.
Regular check-ups are as important as ever, and they actually may be more important than most people realize.
Each year, more than 13,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer, a cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. More than 4,200 die from the disease every year.
Cervical cancer can occur in anyone who has a uterus, but there are a few things that could put some at a higher risk than others.
You might be at a higher risk if you…
Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of cancer death among women in the United States — that is, until about 50 years ago, when a test called the Pap smear was introduced.
Since then, the rate of death from cervical cancer has dropped dramatically.
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it, which are then checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.
A Pap smear may also help find other conditions, such as infections or inflammation. You can get a Pap smear while also being tested for HPV.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. There are many different types and causes of HPV, which you can read more about here.
Another reason cervical cancer deaths have dropped dramatically is due to the introduction of the HPV vaccine. The easiest way to prevent cervical cancer is with this vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for males and females, and is most effective between the ages of 9 and 12 years old, so if you have kids, be sure to schedule an appointment with Monongalia County Health Department’s Clinical Services to get them vaccinated against HPV for the best protection.
Don’t already have the HPV vaccine? That’s okay — it’s not too late! While the vaccine is less effective when given to adults, it can still be beneficial in protecting against HPV infection.
You can call MCHD Clinical Services at 304-598-5119 to make an appointment.
You may feel you don’t have to worry about cervical cancer because of how preventable it has become. The thing is, it’s only preventable if you prevent it! This means seeing your primary care provider or OB/GYN regularly.
Remember — the best cancer prevention is HPV vaccination and screenings!
One thing you shouldn’t sacrifice because of COVID-19? Seeing your doctor.
Regular check-ups are as important as ever, and they actually may be more important than most people realize.
Each year, more than 13,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer, a cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. More than 4,200 die from the disease every year.
Cervical cancer can occur in anyone who has a uterus, but there are a few things that could put some at a higher risk than others.
You might be at a higher risk if you…
- Are over 30 and have an HPV infection that hasn’t been cleared.
- Began having sex at an early age.
- Have multiple sexual partners.
- Smoke.
- Have used birth control pills for five or more years.
- Have a weakened immune system.
- Are overweight or obese.
- Have a close relative who had cervical cancer.
- Were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth.
- Do not have regular cervical cancer screenings.
Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of cancer death among women in the United States — that is, until about 50 years ago, when a test called the Pap smear was introduced.
Since then, the rate of death from cervical cancer has dropped dramatically.
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it, which are then checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.
A Pap smear may also help find other conditions, such as infections or inflammation. You can get a Pap smear while also being tested for HPV.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. There are many different types and causes of HPV, which you can read more about here.
Another reason cervical cancer deaths have dropped dramatically is due to the introduction of the HPV vaccine. The easiest way to prevent cervical cancer is with this vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for males and females, and is most effective between the ages of 9 and 12 years old, so if you have kids, be sure to schedule an appointment with Monongalia County Health Department’s Clinical Services to get them vaccinated against HPV for the best protection.
Don’t already have the HPV vaccine? That’s okay — it’s not too late! While the vaccine is less effective when given to adults, it can still be beneficial in protecting against HPV infection.
You can call MCHD Clinical Services at 304-598-5119 to make an appointment.
You may feel you don’t have to worry about cervical cancer because of how preventable it has become. The thing is, it’s only preventable if you prevent it! This means seeing your primary care provider or OB/GYN regularly.
Remember — the best cancer prevention is HPV vaccination and screenings!
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