HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. CDC encourages women to get regular cervical cancer screenings, and recommends everyone receive the HPV vaccine.

“When cervical cancer is found early it is highly treatable,” said Ashley Thompson, Family Planning Supervisor with Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department. “The most important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to have regular screening tests and be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV).”

More than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC. All women are at risk, but cervical cancer occurs most often in women over 30.

HPV — a common virus passed from one person to another during sex — is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., according to the CDC. Long-lasting HPV infections increase risks of cancer.

The Health Department offers HPV vaccines and the two screening tests that can detect the presence of the virus and precancerous cells on the cervix.

“The HPV vaccine can protect you from cervical cancer later in life,” Thompson said. “Screenings are easy and painless and can prevent or catch cervical cancer early.”

CDC recommends two doses of the vaccine at ages 11-12 for both boys and girls. Teens and young adults who have not received the HPV vaccine should do so as soon as possible. Adults can benefit from the HPV vaccine up to age 45.

To schedule an appointment for screening or vaccination, call 731-423-3020.