January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

0

Cervical Health Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer.

HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. It’s also a major cause of cervical cancer.

About 79 million Americans currently have HPV. Many people with HPV don’t know that they are infected.

The good news? HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV!

Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap 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 Pap tests and follow-up care.

So in honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, the Fayette County Health Department encourages;

-Women to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21.

-Parents to make sure pre-teens or teens get the HPV vaccine starting at age 11 or 12

-Teens and young adults also need to get the HPV vaccine if they didn’t get it as pre-teens. Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 can still get the vaccine.

If you are interested in the Family Planning Clinic (which includes Pap tests and birth control), please call the Fayette County Health Department at 740-335-5910 to make an appointment.

From staff reports

No posts to display