Ladies, it’s that time of the month again. No, not the one you are probably thinking of, but the time to start thinking about your cervical health. While we dread and try to hide from those uncomfortable and awkward trips to the doctor’s office, this issue is one that you might want to think twice about skipping. With January being National Cervical Health Awareness Month, the importance of knowing and understanding the risk factors, screening tests, and outreach programs should be a priority to all women.
Simply knowing the basics of your body will not keep you out of harm’s way. The truth is, not all of what your mother told you, or the insolubly out-dated videos you watched in junior high can promise that you are not at risk of cancer.
According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition or NCCC, 11 percent of United States women report that they do not have regular cervical cancer screenings. About 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 4,000 women die from cervical disease each year.
These statistics are not being stated to frighten or shock, but to inform those who still feel that it’s better to not know than know. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by more women having regular pap tests. Shying away from those uncomfortable visits may put you at an even greater risk since early detection is the key. Though cervical cancer was at first perceived to be a threat to only older women, cases have shown that young women are at risk if they are not following regular healthcare guidelines. Young women are at a higher risk to develop cervical lesions that are at a precancerous stage but if not caught early and treated they will require therapy, usually the removal of the cervix, or hysterectomy, and the risk of never having children. Dr. Juan Felix, director of OB/GYN Pathology at the University of Southern California and chairman of the NCCC, states that sexually active women and women over 21 should have regular pap smears every two years or annually for better precaution. A pap smear checks the cells of the cervix for disease and changes that could lead to cancer. Because women who have cancer of the cervix may not have symptoms, regular pap tests are essential.
To make visits to the doctor less unpleasant, women should try to get to know the physician they select before the examination. Ask questions ahead of time and afterwards. To help nervousness, just relax. The test is quick and there is usually a nurse present.
If you would like to locate a physician or clinic, the Planned Parenthood has a Web site that offers health and clinical information at www.plannedparenthood.org.