Each year, 12,000 women in the US are diagnosed with cervical cancer, yet the disease remains one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
In most cases, cervical cancer can be prevented through early detection and treatment of abnormal cell changes that occur in the cervix years before the cancer develops. These cell changes are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). Girls and women age 12–27 can prevent HPV with a vaccination and women over age 30 can be tested for HPV.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are approximately 6 million new genital HPV disease cases in the United States each year. An estimated 74% of them occur in 15 to 24 year-olds. Learn more about protecting yourself and your family with your the HPV vaccination.
And don’t forget to schedule a Pap test. Fifty percent of women diagnosed with cervical cancer either have never had a Pap test or have not had one within the last 5 years. Because cervical cancer takes 10 to 20 years or more to develop, women who are no longer sexually active should still get regular Pap tests.
Don’t be a statistic. Schedule a Pap test at HOPES by calling (775) 786-4673.
