January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet it affects thousands of women each year. In the United States, about 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2023, and approximately 4,310 women lost their lives to the disease (American Cancer Society, 2023). Early detection through regular screening and prevention with the HPV vaccine are key to reducing these numbers.
How You Can Stay Protected
- Get Screened Regularly: Pap tests (or Pap smears) and HPV tests can detect abnormal cells early, when treatment is most effective. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular screenings starting at age 21.
- Get Vaccinated: The HPV vaccine protects against the virus that causes most cervical cancer cases. It’s recommended for children and adults up to age 26 and can still benefit some individuals up to age 45.
- Know the Risk Factors: Smoking, a weakened immune system, and inconsistent screening increase your risk for cervical cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to lower your risk.
PHC is Here to Help
Primary Health Care offers cervical cancer screenings, HPV vaccinations, and comprehensive women’s health services at our clinics in Ames, Des Moines, and Marshalltown. We accept Medicaid, private insurance, and offer a sliding fee scale to ensure access to care for all.
Take charge of your health this January by scheduling a screening or discussing the HPV vaccine with your provider. Together, we can work to prevent cervical cancer and protect the health of our community.
Sources:
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Cervical Cancer Awareness. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov.
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