Health awareness months, days, and weeks are imperative to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. They bring important health concerns to the forefront and shed light on a variety of health concerns, like cervical cancer. Among women, trans men, and nonbinary people, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally. Since January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, here are 11 things you should know.
What is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month?
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Things to do
There are several things you can do this month to mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Read on to find out, and if you’re all set, be sure to pass this information on to a friend.
8. Learn more about HPV vaccines and decide if vaccination is the right choice for you.
There are currently three HPV vaccines licensed in the U.S., but since 2016 only Gardasil-9 has been distributed in the United States. The CDC indicates that the vaccine has the potential to protect against 90 percent of HPV-related cancers. While there is some trepidation surrounding the vaccine (and a few lawsuits over the years) the CDC has deemed the vaccine safe and effective.
Tracie Richter is a cervical cancer survivor who advocates for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer awareness.
"I’m a mother of two young boys, and know that they need to be vaccinated too,” she told University of Alabama News. "People misunderstand and think that children only need the HPV vaccine if they are or will be sexually active, and that’s simply not true. The HPV vaccine can save many lives and prevent cervical cancer from ever occurring. HPV cancers can be preventable, and we have the ability to make them so.”
9. Schedule your Pap test screening.
If it’s been a while since your last gynecological exam, take the time this month to schedule a cervical cancer screening. You may be eligible for free low-cost health screenings. Find out if you qualify and locate cervical cancer screening and diagnostic service facilities near you.
10. Use protection for all types of sex.
Because HPV can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, and the infection can spread beyond reproductive organs, condoms are not 100% effective in preventing HPV.
11. Consider a financial donation to raise awareness and fund cervical cancer research.
There are several organizations working hard to raise awareness about cervical cancer. During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, help these organizations by donating your time and/or money to end cervical cancer:
