According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), more than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, even though the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
January is designated Cervical Health Awareness Month to highlight issues related to cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV) disease and the importance of prevention and early detection.
HPV vaccines can help prevent infection from high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low-risk types that cause genital warts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 as the vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, only two doses of the vaccine are required for those age 14 and younger. The vaccine is available for all males and females through age 45, but for those age 15 and older a three-dose series is needed.
A Pap test can detect cell changes to the cervix caused by HPV. HPV tests find the virus and help health care providers know who is at highest risk for cervical cancer. Pap and HPV tests (either alone or in combination) are recommended for women age 30 and older. Women should ask their health care provider about the frequency of testing and types of test.
For more information, New Horizons Healthcare patients can call (540) 362-0360 to make an appointment with their health care provider.
Here are other helpful resources:
–Ten Things to Know About HPV
–National Cervical Cancer Coalition
– Afsanah Widner, PA-C, Adult Medical Provider at New Horizons Healthcare
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