January Is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical cancer can be frightening, considering that 11,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. But cervical cancer is preventable, and there are simple things that you can do to protect yourself and your family:
- Schedule regular Pap tests
Early detection of abnormalities is key to prevention. A Pap test is used to detect the presence of abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. Visit the Cervical Cancer Campaign Web site to take the pledge to prevent cervical cancer and get a personal reminder to schedule an annual exam.
- Get the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
The HPV virus is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend routine HPV vaccination for 11- to12-year-old girls and also for 13- to 26-year-old girls/women who have not yet received the vaccine. Find information at the CDC Web site (PDF file).
- Educate yourself and your family
Download a copy of NEA Health Information Network's (NEA HIN) new brochure, Talking About Cervical Cancer Prevention, with the facts you need to know and questions to ask your health care provider. In addition, spread the word about our new lesson plans for 5th-8th and 9th-12th grades. Aligned to national health, science, language arts, and social studies standards, these age-appropriate lesson plans can help educate students about vaccinations, infections, and prevention. Visit the NEA HIN Web site to download the brochure or the lesson plans or to learn more about cervical cancer.
