Each year, approximately 12,000 women in the US are diagnosed with cervical cancer. To focus national attention and spread the word about important steps women can take to stay healthy, Congress has designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month.
The Good News: Cervical Cancer Is One Of The Most Preventable Cancers Today
According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), cervical cancer is highly preventable because screening tests for cervical cancer and vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) — which is the main cause of cervical cancer — are available.
Half of cervical cancers occur among women rarely or never screened for cancer, and another 10%–20% of cancers occur among women who were screened but did not receive adequate follow-up care.
When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
Click here for resources and phone numbers to help you stay healthy. The first step is getting a check with you local provider.