Cervical Health Awareness Month

Ladies, when was the last time you had a Pap test?

About 79 million Americans currently have HPV (human papillomavirus), the most common sexually transmitted disease. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer.

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition shares some information about HPV:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that infect the skin. There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Some types of genital HPV may cause genital warts, while other types of genital HPV are linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix (detected through Pap tests) that can lead to cervical cancer. However, this cancer can almost always be prevented through regular screening and, if needed, treatment of abnormal cell changes.

January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month. There is so much we can do these days to prevent cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care. The US Department of Health & Human Services encourages:

• Women to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21
• Women to get the HPV vaccine before age 27
• Parents to make sure their pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12
• Men to get the HPV vaccine if you are under age 22

Thanks to the health care reform law, you and your family members may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company and talk to your doctor.

Regardless of your insurance status, contact the YWCA’s Women’s Health Outreach program to receive a pap test and mammogram. Women 40 and older may be eligible for free screenings. Contact us to learn more and to schedule an appointment at a local upcoming mobile screening event. Call Ingrid Berkhout at 206.461.4493, Marilyn Calbert at 206.461.4489, or Karly Garcia at 425.226.1266 x1006.