January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and Gulf Coast Immediate Care Center wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer. Each year, more than 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity, and it causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don’t know they are infected.

The good news?

The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV.
Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (PAP) and follow-up care.

In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, we encourage:

Women start getting regular cervical cancer screenings at age 21. http://www.conexionflorida.com/women-cancer-preventive-screening/
Parents to make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12
Teens and young adults also need to get the HPV vaccine if they didn’t get it as pre-teens. Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 can still get the vaccine.

Most insurance plans cover well-woman visits and cervical cancer screening. This means that, depending on their insurance, women can get these services at no cost to them.

Cervical awareness: Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy.

Cervical cancer screenings can help detect abnormal (changed) cells early, before they turn into cancer. Most deaths from cervical cancer could be prevented by regular screenings and follow-up care.