January is Cervical Health Awareness Month—a time to focus on the steps we can take to prevent cervical cancer and prioritize cervical health. Two powerful tools can help protect you from cervical cancer: the HPV vaccine and regular screenings. With tools like the HPV vaccine and regular screenings, we have the power to detect and prevent this disease early.
Protect Yourself with the HPV Vaccine:
HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is a virus that can cause cell changes to the cervix. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common cause of cervical cancer.
Doctors recommend that preteens receive the vaccine, but you can receive it until the age of 26. Even if you are vaccinated for HPV it is still important to have regular cervical cancer screenings.
The Importance of Regular Screenings:
The goal of regular screenings is to be able to find any issues as early on as possible. The main type of screening recommended for women is a pap test.
Pap tests identify cell changes on the cervix that could develop into cancer if left untreated, making early detection a critical step in cancer care.
Women should begin getting pap tests at age 21. Having a regular pap test allows your doctor to not only check your cervical health but also get tested for HPV.
Don’t wait to take control of your cervical health. Talk to your doctor about HPV vaccination and schedule your cervical cancer screening today.
published: Dec. 31, 2024, 2:46 p.m.