The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging women ages 21 and older to speak with their physician about cervical cancer screening and prevention this month – “Cervical Health Awareness Month.”
Cervical cancer forms in the tissues of the cervix. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus infection. Fortunately, with regular screenings and follow-up, this form of cancer is easily preventable and highly treatable when detected in its early stage, according to a news release.
“We recommend women have their first routine cervical screening at age 21,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “I also encourage women, along with young girls (ages 11 to 13) and their parents, to ask their health care provider about HPV vaccines, which are highly effective at preventing certain forms of HPV.”
There are often no noticeable symptoms of cervical cancer in its early stage, which is why it is important for women to be screened regularly. Symptoms usually develop when the cancer has become invasive and attacks nearby tissue. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Although cervical cancer usually grows slowly, it can be detected with regular Ppap tests.
The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides free cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and underinsured Illinois women between the ages of 35 and 64, regardless of income. For information, call the health line at 1-888-522-1282.
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The post January is Cervical Health Awareness Month – Morris Daily Herald appeared first on Allure Senses.