Cervical Cancer Awareness

Each year an estimated 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Out of those diagnosed about 1/3 will die from cancer. Cervical Cancer awareness has grown over the past 30 years with increased screening and the death rate has gone down by more than 50%.

The American Social Health Association (ASHA) and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition have named January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. The month of awareness is to help encourage women across the country to get screened for cervical cancer and immunized with the HPV vaccine if possible.

The best way to catch cervical cancer early is with regular screenings through pap test. The pap test has became more routine since the 1960's. This means that more pre cancers are found before the invasive cancer. Women should be alert to any signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and prevents any early cervical cell changes from being cancerous

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Women need to take the steps necessary to stay healthy. Some things you can do to help yourself be aware of cervical cancer:

• yearly gynecological exam
• speak out about all women being able to have the exam
• If you have teenage daughters take the time to talk about the HPV vaccine

All women should take the time to get proper care. We should all see a doctor on a regular basis as well as pay attention to any changes in our body.