Lets Talk About The Cervix

Did you know that January is Cervical Health Awareness Month?  What is that you say…that every month is some sort of awareness month?  This may or may not be true , but this one is for real, People!  The United States Congress designated the month of January as Cervical Health Awareness Month, so it’s official. 

All kidding aside, cervical health is very important.  Did you know that in 2007, 4,021 women in the United States died from cervical cancer (cdc.gov)?  But, this is not just a woman’s issue; the human Papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer, can also cause penile, neck, and many other types of cancer (cdc.gov).   In fact, it is estimated that HPV will affect 75% to 80% of males and females in their lifetime (hpvinfo.com).  To help you learn more about HPV and cancer, the Center for Disease Control has thorough and easy-to-understand webpages devoted to educating you on this issue.  Click here to be directed to their website.   

HPV and Cervical Cancer are preventable.  The vaccine Gardasil helps protect against 4 types (out of 40) of HPV and is approved for both males and females.  To learn more about the vaccine and get your questions answered click here.

Have you read enough?  Are you ready to get tested?  Are you ready to get the vaccine?  Make an appointment TODAY at your local Planned Parenthood Health Center.

In the meantime, check out this awesome video from WORD (Women’s Oncology Research and Dialogue) on HPV and the vaccine.  Click here to watch it!