Did you know that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month?

Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet over 12,000 women in the US are diagnosed with it each year.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is found in about 99% of cervical cancers. While almost 90% of HPV infections resolve on their own within 2 years, high-risk types of HPV may cause cervical cancer.

Regular PAP screenings and HPV tests can help to diagnose pre-cancerous cell changes early and possibly prevent cervical cancer.

HPV Vaccines

It is recommended that all females between the ages of 9 and 26 get an HPV vaccine. The vaccines do not cure HPV or related diseases but they help to prevent several types of HPV, including those found in most cervical cancers.

Treatment Options

If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, there are a few things to know about potential treatments. Keep in mind that that the 5 year survival rate for cervical cancer that has not spread outside the cervix area is 92%.

Your doctor may discuss the following treatment options with you:

• Surgery – may be needed to remove the cancerous cells. A hysterectomy may be done to remove the uterus and, when necessary, the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina.
• Radiation therapy -uses high-energy x-ray or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading.
• Chemotherapy – is the use of drugs to kill the cancer cells or stop them from dividing.

Get Involved

You can show your support and spread the word about Cervical Cancer Awareness month in many ways.

• Volunteer or donate to an organization that provides Cervical Cancer Resources.
• Contact local media and government to encourage coverage of public service announcements about Cervical Cancer.
• Spread the word on social media.

Do you want to know more about cervical cancer?

Please contact Dekalb Women’s Specialists for more information. We’re here to help!

Sources:

http://www.nccc-online.org/hpvcervical-cancer/cervical-health-awareness-month/

http://www.nccc-online.org/hpvcervical-cancer/cervical-cancer-overview/