Remember that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is an annual observance held throughout the month of January. It is intended to raise awareness of cervical cancer and to fundraise for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and cure. 

In 2014, over 12,500 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 2017). Up to 93 percent of cervical cancers are preventable. The human papillomavirus vaccination helps prevent infection with the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. Women ages 21-65 are recommended to be screened for cervical cancer with a Pap smear every three years. Individuals ages 30-65 who want to lengthen the screening interval should receive a combination of Pap smear and HPV testing every five years (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2016). 

Health care providers are central sources of information about cervical cancer screening. Many people lack basic knowledge about cervical cancer screening so talk to your healthcare provider about screening tests as well as how often you should return for follow-up. The human papillomavirus vaccines offer the best protection against cervical cancer and other HPV-associated cancers when all doses are administered early.  That’s why HPV vaccinations is recommended for preteen girls and boys but can be administered through age 26.

January is also an opportunity to support those affected by cervical cancer. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month began Jan. 1 and ends Jan. 31. 

Jessica Kennedy-Stiffarm, RN, BSN

Public Health Nurse

Family Planning

Hill County Public Health