January is the month of Cervical Health Awareness. It is a chance to raise awareness to protect women from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer. HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity and it is a major cause of cervical cancer.
The good news?
- The HPV vaccine (shots) can prevent HPV.
- Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.
Cervical cancer screenings can help detect abnormal (changed) cells early, before they turn into cancer. Most deaths from cervical cancer could be prevented by regular screenings and follow-up care.
How can Cervical Health Awareness Month make a difference?
We can use this opportunity to spread the word about important steps women can take to stay healthy.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Encourage women to get their well-woman visit this year.
- Let women know that most insurance plans must cover well-woman visits and cervical cancer screening. This means that, depending on their insurance, women can get these services at no cost to them.
- Talk to parents about how important it is for their pre-teens to get the HPV vaccine. Both boys and girls need the vaccine.