26 Jan January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and Family Practice Associates of Lexington wants you to know that there is a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don’t know they are infected.
HPV is also a major cause of cervical cancer. Each year, more than 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer.
The good news?
• The HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV.
• Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.
Parents to make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. Teens and young adults also need to get the HPV vaccine if they did not get it as pre-teens. Women and Men up to age 45 can still get the vaccine.
Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy.
In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Family Practice Associates of Lexington encourages:
You should get your first Pap test at age 21. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.
If you’re 30 years old or older, you have three options—
• You can continue getting a Pap test only. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.
• You can get an HPV test only. If your test result is normal, you can wait five years for your next test.
• You can get both an HPV and Pap test together. If your test results are normal, you can wait five years for your next tests
Schedule a well-woman visit with your provider every year. The well-woman visit is an important way to help you stay healthy. Well-woman visits include a full checkup, separate from any other visit for sickness or injury. These visits focus on preventive care for women, which may include:
• Services, like shots, that improve your health by preventing diseases and other health problems
• Screenings, which are medical tests to check for diseases early when they may be easier to treat
• Education and counseling to help you make informed health decisions
Evening hours available for your well-women visit at both of our convenient locations.
Schedule your appointment today by calling (859) 278-5007 or scheduling online at https://phreesia.me/fpalex or https://www.fpalex.com/patient-resources/scheduling.
Learn more about cervical cancer https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-prevention-pdq#section/all