January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and nearly 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable.
The Importance of Cervical Health
Did you know that some of the highest rates of developing cervical cancer occur within the Latinx community? In an attempt to prevent this, this month we want to uplift how important early detection and proper treatment can be, and how spreading awareness plays a factor in increasing the chances of combating cervical cancer.
To do that, let’s take a closer look at two of the most common conditions: HPV and cervical cancer.
HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an infection transmitted through sexual activity and is also known to be one of the most common reproductive health complications in the United States. People who are diagnosed with HPV have an increased likelihood of developing certain cancers and genital warts. HPV can be a dormant infection, meaning that the body can go years without showing any signs or symptoms.
The good news is, there are vaccines available, aimed at prevention. If you are not currently vaccinated and want to know more, talk to your health care provider or check in with our skilled Educators in our Chat/Text program who are available to answer any of your sexual health questions and can tell you more.
Cervical Cancer
There are many different causes of cancer. However, when it comes to cervical cancer, there is a correlation with HPV.
People with a cervix are usually diagnosed with cervical cancer when the cells of their cervix start to grow uncontrollably. This can be determined through HPV screening, pelvic exams, or a pap test. Early detection is key so that proper treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Outside of HPV, other factors and lifestyle choices can play into the development of cervical cancer. Such as:
- Smoking cigarettes
- A history of hypoplasia of the cervix, vagina, or vulva
- Having immune system issues (such as HIV)
- Letting other infections go untreated(such as chlamydia)
- Family history of cervical cancer
Treatment Options
While HPV and cervical cancer are most commonly discussed when referencing cervical health, there are other potential conditions to keep in mind, such as cervical ectropion, polyps, and cervicitis. That’s why reproductive wellness exams should be a crucial part of a person’s health care plan.
For many people with a cervix, visiting your trusted health care provider to set up an annual pap screening will be the first step toward maintaining cervical health. The CDC recommends an HPV vaccine for pre-teens starting at 11-12 years old, through the age of 26 and the FDA has approved the HPV vaccination for ages 9-45. It’s also recommended that people begin getting PAP tests (Pap smears) around the age of 21. Call your local health center to book an appointment now or to discuss free or low-cost options that may be available to you: 1-800-230-PLAN.
There’s never a wrong time to check in with yourself and your reproductive and sexual health and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is here to help. Cervical Health Awareness Month and beyond, you can count on us to bring you care, no matter what.
Tags: cervical health, cervical