January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. PatientTalk wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV (human papillomavirus), the most common sexually transmitted disease. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer.
The good news?
- HPV can be prevented by the HPV vaccine.
- Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.
In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, PatientTalk encourages:
- Women to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21
- Women to get the HPV vaccine before age 27
- Parents to make sure their pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12
- Men to get the HPV vaccine if you are under age 22
Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy.
For more information please go to http://www.nccc-online.org/index.php/january