The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer, one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in American women, occurs when cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, slowly become abnormal.
African American women develop cervical cancer more often than white women and are twice as likely to die from it.
The good news is that cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent!!
By getting regular Pap tests, your doctor can find and treat abnormal cells before they turn to cancer.
Women should have their first Pap test at age 21. After your first Pap test, you should have a Pap test every two to three years depending on your age and other factors. Ask your doctor about how often you need a Pap test.
There are vaccines available that are designed to prevent certain infections that can lead to cervical cancer. Staying informed with the latest news on prevention and screening is an important step in reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer.
Source: The National Cervical Cancer Coalition
No comments:
Post a Comment