Resources
Wellness Spotlight
Cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because screening tests and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections are available. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life. Read more below:
Cervical Cancer: Stop the Stigma!
Let’s stop the stigma today! It’s time to talk to your friends, daughters and mothers about cervical cancer. There are 132 million women in the United States over the age of 15 that are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers are associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Read more below:
Signs & symptoms of cervical cancer
- Pelvic Pain
- Spotting between menstrual cycles
- Pain during/after intercourse
- Weight loss
- Lower back pain
Do you know what HPV really is?
The Human Papillomavirus can cause cervical and other cancers including cancers of the vulva, penis, and vagina. It can also cause cancer of the throat or oral cavity (oropharyngeal cancer). Cancer can still develop years after a person is infected with HPV, generally people with weaker immune systems or other health problems are affected. HPV is extremely prevalent amongst 79 million Americans in their late teens and early 20s, most sexually active women and men will contract it at some point in their lives. As men and women we need to talk openly about this life threatening disease to help prevent it. This is your reminder to get your annual Women’s screening done.
Prevention
- Regularly scheduled Pap smears
- Pelvic exams should be done annually, not all Pap smears are performed annually
- HPV screening and vaccinationsHPV Vaccines are a series of shots that help prevent the HPV infection
- Practicing safe intercourse
- Eliminate smoking
References