JANUARY: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Every year over 11,000 American women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Researchers say that almost all cases of this disease are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). HPV can be tricky and go unnoticed for a long time because it can hide in your body for years before eventually causing the cells of the cervix to grow abnormally. Once this starts, the cells of the cervix become pre-cancerous which leads to the condition known commonly as cervical dysplasia. These abnormal cells can usually be detected by having a simple yearly exam and Pap test. However, if this condition is left untreated it can eventually turn into invasive cancer.

Your are at a higher risk of contracting an HPV infection if you have multiple sexual partners and do not use protection. It is one of the most common STD's and it is reported that 75% of people will be infected with the virus at some point in their lives. Certain lifestyle choices, environment, genetics and risk factors such as smoking can also play a part in your chances of developing cervical cancer. Smokers are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer as non-smokers.

Since January is cervical cancer awareness month, it is also a great reminder for everyone to get in at some point this year for your annual female exam. Let's start this year off fresh and try to be more proactive in our care to ensure our good health in the future!

For more information on cervical cancer you can contact the National Institutes of Health at the following web link: http://www.nih.gov/

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