Search by Color or Cause
Cervical Health and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month take place in January each year. The month is represented by the colors teal and white. Primarily, Cervical Health and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month focus on cervical cancer awareness.
Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. Approximately 99% of cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21.
To call attention to this important awareness month, wear a teal and white enamel awareness ribbon pin in a personalized or non-personalized version.
The HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
If your income is low or don’t have health insurance, you may qualify for free or low-cost cervical cancer screening through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
If you’re 30 to 65 years old, you have three options. Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.
Testing options include:
If you are older than 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if you have had normal screening test results for several years and have not had a cervical pre-cancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections. However, HPV vaccination does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.
When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. This is true as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care. With a comprehensive approach to prevent, screen and treat, we can end cervical cancer as a public health problem within a few generations.
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the messages are clear.
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, let’s work together to build back healthier communities by improving access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment for cervical pre-cancer and management of cervical cancer by 2030 and end cervical cancer within a few generations.
(Image: Adobe Stock)