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MEDICAL ADVICE
by DR. JOY JACKSON
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Joy Jackson, an internal medicine physician, serves the community as director of the Florida department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk). For more information about DOHPolk, visit mypolkhealth.org. Follow DOH-Polk on Twitter at twitter.com/FLHealthPolk.
POP QUIZ! Test Your Knowledge
on page 21
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and an important time of year to raise awareness about the importance of cervical health screenings for women. The Florida Department of Health in Polk encourages women to visit their healthcare provider to be screened for cervical cancer and learn more about preventing cervical cancer through lifestyle change and vaccination. It is important for women to know their health status and attend regular health checkups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. However, this has decreased significantly over the last 40 years largely due to women receiving regular screenings which identifies cervical precancer before it develops into cancer. Women are encouraged to get screened regularly, beginning at age 21, and by receiving appropriate follow-up care. According to CDC, women can reduce or prevent their risk of cervical cancer by: • Getting the HPV vaccine • Seeing their health care provider regularly for cervical cancer screenings between ages 21 and 65 • Not smoking • Limiting the number of sexual partners Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual activity. The CDC states that HPV is estimated to cause nearly 36,000 cases of cancer in men and women every year in the United States. It can cause six difference types of cancer. However, only cervical cancer can be detected early. The other five cancers may not be detected until they cause other health issues. The HPV vaccine is a cancer prevention vaccine and can help protect men and women from these various cancers that HPV causes. According to the CDC, the HPV vaccine can help prevent multiple cancers, including cervical cancer and cancer of the mouth and throat. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls who are 11 to 12 years old but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26. There are two screening tests available that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The first is a Pap test (or Pap smear). This screening looks for precancers or cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. Talk to your health care provider about when a Pap test is most appropriate for you. The HPV test is another test which looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. Tests for specific HPV strains can support earlier diagnosis of cervical cancer. To learn more about cervical cancer awareness, visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov. To learn more about HPV and HPV vaccines, also visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/hpv. HN
