January 2025: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 💙 

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 💙 

Did you know that HPV (human papillomavirus) is the leading cause of cervical cancer? While HPV infections are common, there’s incredible news—we have powerful tools to prevent it! 

Dr. Chelsea Travers, one of our dedicated providers at HOPES, wants you to know: 

💉 Early Protection is Key – The HPV vaccine offers 100% protection against cervical cancer when given at ages 12-13. 

💉 It’s Never Too Late – Even if you get vaccinated later (ages 14-22), your risk of developing cervical cancer is cut in half. 

💉 Closing the Gap – HPV vaccination is especially important for communities facing healthcare barriers—it can significantly reduce risk and save lives. 

💉 Protection for All – The HPV vaccine is available for everyone—males and females—from ages 9 to 45 in the U.S. Coverage may vary based on age, so check with your provider. 

The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention. If you have a preteen, talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated. Adults should also consider the vaccine and stay up to date on cervical cancer screenings. 

At HOPES, we’re committed to breaking barriers in healthcare—let’s work together to make cervical cancer a thing of the past. 💜 

Sources:

https://academic.oup.com/jnci/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jnci/djad263/7577291?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4636904/ 
https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7062568/ 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10399474/