January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a chance to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer. HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity and causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. Approximately, 79 million Americans currently have HPV. Many people with HPV don't know they are infected. And each year, more than 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer. All DC Government medical insurance plans cover well-woman visits and cervical cancer screening, which means these services are available to employees at no cost.
To support Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following:
- Get regular screenings beginning at age 21 and/or encourage women to get their annual well-woman visit each year. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for cervical cancer in women ages 21 to 65 years with cytology (Pap smear) every 3 years or, for women ages 30 to 65 years who want to lengthen the screening interval, screening with a combination of cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every 5 years.
- Get the HPV vaccine. It protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26. The vaccine is given in a series of either two or three shots, depending on age. It is important to note that even women who are vaccinated against HPV need to have regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.
- Practice safe sex. Using condoms and limiting your number of sexual partners may reduce the risk of cervical cancer and HPV.
- Quit smoking. As with other cancers, smoking greatly increases your risk for cervical cancer.
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