Northwest Colorado Health: Prevent Cervical Cancer – get vaccinated, get tested

Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in American women. This has improved considerably as more women have been screened for cervical cancer, which can detect changes in the cervix before cancer develops.

Despite this, cervical cancer remains a serious threat to health. The American Cancer Society estimates that 13,100 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year and that 4,250 women will die from the disease.

Types of human papillomavirus or HPV cause cervical cancer. HPV is common – more than half of badually active men and women are infected with HPV at some point. Most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems. However, sometimes HPV infections persist, causing cancers in both men and women.

Immunization helps prevent HPV-related cancers. Ideally, people receive the vaccine during their pre-adolescent years, when it produces a stronger immune response. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that pre-teens aged 11 or 12 receive two injections of the vaccine six to twelve months apart. Teenagers over the age of 14 should receive three injections within six months.

Adolescents and young adults who have not received the vaccine but are badually active should still be vaccinated to protect themselves against HPV types that they may not have been exposed to yet. . Immunization against HPV is recommended for women up to age 26 and young men up to age 21. For more information, visit cdc.gov/hpv.

Screening for cervical cancer or Pap test is the most important weapon against cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin Pap tests at age 21 and continue screening every three to five years, depending on their age, health status and risk of cervical cancer. # 39; uterus.

HPV is rarely a threat to young women under 20 years old. their immune system usually eliminates the virus and related cellular changes. Cervical cancer is more common among women in their forties. Starting at age 30, women have the opportunity to undergo an HPV test, which can detect the types of high-risk viruses leading to cervical cancer. The co-test (Pap test and HPV test) is more likely to detect abnormal cell changes than either or the other test alone.

Cervical cancer screening recommendations can be confusing. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about the best course of action for you.

Women aged 21 to 64 who do not have health insurance or who are underinsured may be eligible for free Pap tests and bad exams. For more information, call Northwest Colorado Health at 970-879-1632.

Tamera Manzanares is Marketing Coordinator at Northwest Colorado Health. She can be reached at [email protected] or 970-871-7642.