January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Each year in the United States more than 10,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed, and over 4,000 women die of this cancer. Early detection is important for improved survival.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection of human papillomavirus (HPV). The cervix connects the vagina (the birth canal) with the uterus (the organ a baby grows inside of) and can become infected with HPV. HPV is transmitted sexually and is incredibly common – some estimates say up to half of all sexually active people carry this virus. Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening, as recommended by national guidelines, and it can be cured if detected early and treated promptly.
- Get the HPV vaccine. Ideally, this would be administered during adolescence, but it can be given to older people as well.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk for many cancers and can prevent your body from fighting for you efficiently.
- Use condoms during sex. HPV infection can occur in both male and female genitalia and the use of latex condoms has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.
- Get your Pap smears. No one likes to do it, it is an unpleasant exam, but it is a quick and effective way to screen for a life threatening cancer.