In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, IWS is encouraging you to:
- Stay healthy by getting a well-woman check yearly
- Get your son or daughter age 11 or 12 an HPV vaccination
Cervical cancer is a disease of the cervix that is often caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. Although cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women, death rates have decreased 50% in the last 40 years thanks to preventive medicine such as Pap Smear screening and HPV vaccination.
Most cases of cervical cancer are found in women older than 20 and younger than 50. Regular screening is recommended for women 21 and up.
Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 who have not been vaccinated against HPV can still see their provider to receive this important immunization.
Boys and girls should get the HPV vaccine between 11 and 12 years of age. In addition, new recommendations state that kids who are vaccinated before 15 will only need two shots instead of three, so bring your preteen in early!
IWS offers preventive services for adultsults including pap smears and HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination as well as pediatric and adolescent health services for girls and boys.
More information about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine is available at the Center for Disease Control by clicking the links below.
