January 12, 2009

Healthy Woman:  A New Year, A New You
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

WEATHERFORD, TEXAS – The start of a new year is the perfect time to make some changes for the better.  If you are thinking about how to become healthier, take it month by month.  January, for example, is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.  The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent preventable and curable if it’s detected early.

Cervical cancer rates are higher among older women, but cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (or CIN), the precursor lesion to cervical cancer, most often occurs among younger women.  Younger women are screened through a Pap test – early screening that can help prevent cervical cancer from developing.  Pap testing is recommended for women at age 21 or at the onset of sexual activity.

Women who have gone through menopause should still have regular Pap tests.  Women who have undergone at hysterectomy in which the cervix was removed do not require Pap testing, unless the hysterectomy was performed because of cervical cancer or a precursor.

Cervical cancer risk factors identified in studies include:
• Failure to have regular Pap test screenings
• Immunosuppressive disorders such as HIV/AIDS
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Certain sexual behaviors (see below)

Experts agree that certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the strongest risk factors for cervical cancer.  Sexual behaviors specifically associated with greater risk are intercourse at any early age, multiple male sexual partners, and sex with a male partner who has had multiple sexual partners.

There is now a vaccine that has been proven to help prevent the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.  The vaccine is routinely recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls.  It is also recommended for girls and women ages 13 through 26 who have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series.

For more information, please contact the National Cervical Cancer Coalition at www.nccc-online.org/awareness.html. 

Healthy Woman is a community resource provided by Weatherford Regional Medical Center to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed healthcare and well-being decisions for themselves and their loved ones.  Free monthly presentations and events nurture a healthy body, mind and spirit.  Become part of the Healthy Woman community and sign up for a free membership today by calling 817-341-PINK (7465) or visit www.weatherfordregional.com.

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