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Cervical Health and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
January 1
January is Cervical Health and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
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.
Screening Tests – Cervical Health and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
The HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
- The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
- The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for pre-cancers, which are cell changes on the cervix. These may become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
Screening Options
Worried about the cost of screening tests?
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:
- An HPV test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
- An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
- A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
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.
HPV Vaccine
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 is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given starting at age 9.
- HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
- HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections. They can also discuss the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
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.
Take Away Messages About Cervical Health
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.
- Get informed. Find out the facts about cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes it. Help educate other women in your life, too.
- Get screened. Cervical cancer screening typically starts at age 30 and is repeated periodically.
- Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses that should begin when a girl is between 9 and 14 years old.
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)
