January is Cervical Health Awareness Month – a time to talk about the risk of cervical cancer, how it is caused, and how it can be prevented.
Nearly 13,000 people with a cervix are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The cervix is the lower, narrow opening of the uterus. It leads from your uterus to your vagina. Your cervix looks kind of like a donut if you look at it through your vagina.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer usually takes years to develop. It is caused by some types of HPV (human papillomavirus), a common sexually transmitted infection. There are more than 200 kinds of HPV. Most of them aren’t harmful and go away on their own. But at least a dozen types of HPV can last and sometimes lead to cancer. Two in particular (types 16 and 18) lead to the majority of cervical cancer cases.
This type of cancer can be prevented by getting the HPV vaccine, early detection through regular cancer screenings, and treatment.
3 Ways We Can Help to Protect Your Cervical Health
At PPGOH, we offer a variety of health services which can help protect your cervical health.
- HPV Vaccine: The HPV vaccine helps protect you against certain types of HPV that can lead to cancer or genital warts. It is recommended for children ages 11-12, as it is most effective years before sexual activity begins, but the vaccine is approved for ages 9-45. You can get your HPV vaccine at one of our PPGOH health centers.
- Regular Screenings: People with cervixes should get wellness exams that include an HPV test, and/or Pap exam to check for any abnormal cells on the cervix that could be precancerous. A PPGOH provider will be able to help you determine how often you should go in for exams that include these screenings.
- Use Protection: Condoms and/or dental dams can be used during vaginal, anal, or oral sex to help lower the chances of spreading HPV. Ask a PPGOH provider for more information at your next visit.
Why Paying Attention to Your Cervical Health is Important
Of the 13,000 people diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, more than half have either never been screened or have not received a screening in the past five years. Cervical cancer is easily preventable, and regular screenings can find abnormal cells before they turn into a cancer
HPV may be common but cervical cancer doesn’t have to be. Do your cervix a favor and schedule a cervical cancer screening today. Call 800-230-PLAN or book online to schedule an appointment at a PPGOH health center in your community.
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