January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and Florida Health in Lake County 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’s important for women to speak with their medical provider about cervical cancer and what steps they need to take to lower their risk,” said Aaron Kissler, Health Officer of the Florida Department of Health in Lake County. “As this disease is preventable with vaccination and proper screening”
According to the CDC, to reduce risk or prevent cervical cancer women should:
- Get the HPV vaccine between ages 9 and 26;
- See their healthcare provider regularly for a Pap test between ages 21 and 65;
- Not smoke; and
- Limit the number of sexual partners.
Completing the three-dose HPV vaccination series can help prevent multiple cancers, including cervical cancer and cancer of the mouth and throat. The department’s Immunization Section provides vaccinations for HPV through several programs.
Two screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early:
- The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
- The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.
Talk to your healthcare provider about when a Pap test is most appropriate for you. Tests for specific HPV strains can support earlier diagnosis of cervical cancer. Women ages 50-64, who are uninsured and are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level can receive Pap tests through the department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Learn more about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/cancer/breast-cancer/bccedp.html
Learn more about the HPV Vaccine at https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/prevention.htm
To learn more about the department’s Immunization Section at https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/immunization/ or contact your county health department.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
