Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

During the month of January, we raise awareness to Cervical Health. Cervical Cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in women in America. It is estimated that in 2016, nearly 13,000 women will be diagnosed and about 30% of those diagnosed will succumb to the disease. Typically, cervical cancer can occur in middle-aged women. But that does not mean that senior women are not still at risk. Senior women account for 20 percent of cervical cancer diagnoses.

Nearly all cases of Cervical Cancer are caused by the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is a disease that is transmitted sexually but lies dormant in the body. However, it can develop into Cervical Cancer later in life. For those women that have had a history of HPV in the past, the risk is higher for Cervical Cancer.

To reduce your risk or to be proactive in catching the disease early, have a regular pap smear performed by your OB/GYN. Especially in the case of having had an abnormal pap smear in the past, such as having HPV, regular tests are necessary.

In the past, it has been recommended that a pap smear was no longer needed after the age of 65. This is due to improper statistical facts that did not take into account the senior population that had had hysterectomies. Women that have had a hysterectomy no longer have a cervix and are not at risk to contracting the disease. When statistical data was adjusted to take out women with hysterectomies from the study, scientists discovered that the risk was high for senior women that had not undergone a hysterectomy.

This month, it may be time to talk to your doctor about having a pap smear. Whether you have had an annual pap smear or not had one in years, talk to your doctor about what your risk may be for Cervical Cancer. Let them know any concerns you might have. It is always best to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to your health.

If you have questions or need assistance in finding a local doctor you can turn to, contact one of our Service Coordinators for help.

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    [post_content] => During the month of January, we raise awareness to Cervical Health. Cervical Cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in women in America. It is estimated that in 2016, nearly 13,000 women will be diagnosed and about 30% of those diagnosed will succumb to the disease. Typically, cervical cancer can occur in middle-aged women. But that does not mean that senior women are not still at risk. Senior women account for 20 percent of cervical cancer diagnoses.



 

Nearly all cases of Cervical Cancer are caused by the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is a disease that is transmitted sexually but lies dormant in the body. However, it can develop into Cervical Cancer later in life. For those women that have had a history of HPV in the past, the risk is higher for Cervical Cancer.

 

To reduce your risk or to be proactive in catching the disease early, have a regular pap smear performed by your OB/GYN. Especially in the case of having had an abnormal pap smear in the past, such as having HPV, regular tests are necessary.

 

In the past, it has been recommended that a pap smear was no longer needed after the age of 65. This is due to improper statistical facts that did not take into account the senior population that had had hysterectomies. Women that have had a hysterectomy no longer have a cervix and are not at risk to contracting the disease. When statistical data was adjusted to take out women with hysterectomies from the study, scientists discovered that the risk was high for senior women that had not undergone a hysterectomy.

 

This month, it may be time to talk to your doctor about having a pap smear. Whether you have had an annual pap smear or not had one in years, talk to your doctor about what your risk may be for Cervical Cancer. Let them know any concerns you might have. It is always best to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to your health.

 

If you have questions or need assistance in finding a local doctor you can turn to, contact one of our Service Coordinators for help.
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