Why it’s important to know about HPV and cervical cancer
You’ve probably heard about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccine that was approved in 2006 to prevent an HPV infection. What you might not know is that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.
Most cases of HPV clear up on their own but in some cases, the virus can cause changes in the body that can lead to cancer. In fact, HPV can lead to 6 different types of cancer that affects both men and women. This is why both vaccination and cancer screening are important.
The New York State Department of Health has reported that 1 in 5 New York adults don’t know that HPV can lead to cancer. In fact, nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. U.S. data also show that when compared to white women, African American women are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and twice as likely to die from the disease.
Did you know that cervical cancer is preventable? A recent analysis of data shows that HPV vaccination, especially when given early in life, can significantly reduce or eliminate cervical cancer cases and deaths. Cervical cancer can also be prevented with routine screenings (Pap smear).
It is recommended that everyone with a cervix be screened for cervical cancer from ages 21 to 65, even if they’ve been vaccinated. If you or someone you know does not have health insurance, please reach out to us at the Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region at 585-224-3070 or by completing our self-referral form to see if you qualify for FREE screenings.
CSP-FLR is supported with funds from the State of New York.
Submitted by Katlyn Newberry, community outreach coordinator, Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region. The Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region is managed and facilitated by the Center for Community Health & Prevention, part of University of Rochester Medicine.
References:
Comments