No woman should die of cervical cancer. You can help prevent
cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening
tests and appropriate follow-up care. It also can be cured when found early and
treated.
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human
papillomavirus (HPV).
Vaccines are available to protect against the types of HPV
that most often cause cervical cancer.
HPV is very common in the United States and is passed from
one person to another during sex. It is so common that nearly all sexually
active men and women get it at some point in their lives, but few women will
get cervical cancer. Talk to your health care provider about getting the HPV
test.
Screening Tests -Two tests help prevent cervical cancer or find it early
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are
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.
The Pap test is recommended for women between ages 21 and
65, and can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Women should start getting
Pap tests regularly at age 21. If your Pap test results are normal, your doctor
may say you can wait three years until your next Pap test. If you are 30 years
old or older, you may choose to have an HPV test along with the Pap test. Your
doctor can perform both the Pap and HPV tests at the same time. If your test
results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few
years is very low. Your doctor may then say you can wait as long as five years
for your next screening.
Thousands of women living in northern Missouri rely on the
Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri for their health-care
needs. CAPNCM Women’s Health Services clinics are open to everyone, regardless
of financial or age restrictions. Fees for the strictly confidential services
are charged on a sliding scale based on the patient’s income. Private insurance
and Medicaid are accepted, as well as donations from patients and the public.
Clinic staff includes a nurse practitioner and educators specifically trained
in family planning services.
Reproductive health services provided through the clinics
include: complete examination of the female reproductive system, Pap Smear
tests to check for early signs of cancer, breast examinations, diagnosis and
treatment of minor gynecological problems and diagnosis and treatment of
sexually transmitted disease. Staff can also provide education on birth control
methods and on natural family planning. Birth control supplies are also
available at the clinics.
CAPNCM Women’s Health Services conducts a monthly clinic in
Chillicothe. For information or to schedule an appointment, call the CAPNCM
office at 660-359-2855 or toll-free 1-877-611-7600.
HPV Vaccine
Get the HPV vaccine if you are in the age group for which
it’s recommended. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most
often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. HPV can also cause cancers
of the penis in men, and anal and head and neck cancers in both men and women.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens (both boys and
girls) aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given as early as age 9 and until age
26.
Make an appointment today at the Livingston County Health
Center for your or your child’s vaccination by calling 646-5506. We offer three monthly clinics, all on
Thursdays. If you don’t have insurance,
or your insurance does not cover vaccines, CDC’s Vaccines for Children program
may be able to help.
Source: CDC
