“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.

The post Florida Health In Lake County Encourages Regular Screening For Cervical Cancer Prevention appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Tools to Quit Program

Thursday, January 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Minneola Schoolhouse Library

100 South Main Avenue, Minneola

Saturday, January 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Simpson Farm House (Next to W.T. Bland Public Library)

1995 North Donnelly Street, Mount Dora

4-Week Quit Smoking Now Program

Weekly Mondays January 27 – February 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

South Lake Hospital – (Across the street at National Training Center)

1935 Don Wickham Dr. Clermont – Classroom B

2-Hour Tools to Quit Program

Thursday, February 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Florida Department of Health in Lake County (Administration Building)

16140 US Hwy 441, Eustis

There is no charge to enroll in the program which includes the following:

• No charge for materials
• Free Nicotine Replacement (nicotine patch while supplies last)
• Covers all forms of tobacco
• Group led by trained tobacco cessation specialist
• Quit Smoking Now workbook and incentive items

Registration is required by calling 1-877-252-6094 or to learn more about the Quit Smoking Now (QSN) Program. The QSN Program is sponsored by the Florida AHEC Network and the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida.

The post Free Quit Tobacco Classes In Lake County appeared first on South Lake Tablet.