Cervical Cancer: 3 Facts You Need to Know

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, so here are three important facts that you need to know about cervical cancer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

1. All women are at risk for cervical cancer.
2. It is most common in women over age of 30.
3. The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The latest data provided by the CDC reports that 12,831 new cases of cervical cancer were reported among women in the United States in 2017. Within these cases, 4,207 women died from this disease.

However, just like all cancers, the earlier cervical cancer is detected, the better the outcome. According to the American Cancer Society guidelines, the two most important methods you can practice to prevent cervical cancer are to get the HPV vaccine if you are eligible, and to be screened regularly.

The American Cancer Society's updated cervical cancer screening requirements now recommend that people with a cervix go through HPV primary testing every five years starting at age 25 and then through to age 65. Regularly scheduled PAP tests (every three years) are also acceptable screenings for offices that do not have access to HPV primary testing. Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology offers PAP screenings and also tests for HPV.

The physicians at Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology offer adolescent and adult women the unique care they deserve by putting their patients at ease and taking the time to listen to their health care concerns. Call (985) 230-APPT [2778] to schedule an appointment.