Submitted by Atchison County Health Department

During Cervical Health Awareness Month, help us educate others about the steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from cervical cancer. This cancer affects women of all ages, social classes, and races. According to the CDC about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year and nearly 4,000 women die of this cancer annually.

Cervical cancer develops after infection by a human papilloma virus, known as HPV. Cervical cancer and precancerous cells are diagnosed through screening pap smears or high risk HPV testing. High risk strains, which are more likely to develop into cancer, can be detected with screenings and treatment of abnormal changes in cervical cells which can prevent nearly all cervical cancers.

Risk Factors

A woman has a higher chance of developing cervical cancer if a first degree female relative, such as a mother or sister, has had cervical cancer.

Non-genetic risk factors for cervical cancer include becoming sexually active at a young age, having multiple sexual partners, or having a partner who is high risk themselves, such as someone with an HPV infection or someone who has multiple partners. Other risk factors which increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer include smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.

Prevention

• Vaccination against HPV is one method of prevention of cervical cancer as it reduces the initial risk of HPV infection.

• Vaccination with Gardasil is recommended for both females and males starting at age nine.

• Using condoms with each partner decreases the risk of contracting HPV.

• Screening for HPV is prevention – the frequency and type of screening depends on your age and health history; screenings should start at age 21.

Take control of your health and contact your healthcare provider about scheduling your cervical cancer screening today!

Remind your loved ones the importance of keeping up on their recommended screenings.

(Information gathered from American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute.)