PITTSBURG, Kan. — January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHCSEK) is taking the opportunity to raise awareness about cervical cancer, HPV disease, and the importance of getting screened.
One of the ways that CHCSEK is helping prevent cervical cancer is talking to parents about getting their child immunized for human papillomavirus (HPV). High risk HPV infection is associated with nearly all cases of cervical cancer. The CDC and the American Cancer Society recommend HPV vaccination (Gardasil) for females and males beginning as early as 11 years of age. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Gardasil three-dose series for individuals up through 45 years of age.
“Almost all cervical cancers are due to human papilloma virus infection,” said Dr. Bethany Enoch, MD, FAAFP. “Risk factors for this include early onset of sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted infections and immunosuppression.”
In addition, CHCSEK provides screening and recommends women age 21 to 29 to have a pap smear every three years (if the results are normal). For women age 30 to 65, providers recommend a pap smear with HPV testing every five years (if the results are normal and negative). For women over age 65, the decision to stop screening depends on history and should be discussed with their provider.
Early detection is key, Dr. Enoch said, adding that she can’t stress enough how much better it is to find out early.
“I think sometimes people are worried about getting screened because of the perceived awkwardness of having a pelvic exam,” Dr. Enoch said. “Physicians are used to this procedure and will do all we can to prevent discomfort or embarrassment, the few moments of awkwardness should never outweigh the lifetime of struggle that could occur if cervical cancer isn't detected early on.”
