Cervical Health Awareness Month: 3 Ways to a Safer Life

Did you know that January is Cervical Health Awareness Month? As moms, we should take care of ourselves in order to take care of our families, and one way of doing so is making sure we are healthy inside and out. Maintaining cervical health is an important matter that women need to prioritize and is often overlooked. January is the month to spend spreading awareness on prevention and treatment of cervical cancer that takes approximately 4,000 lives each year.

Have you put off your annual gynecology visit? 

Most women, even in this modern society, feel uncomfortable talking about sexual health with their healthcare providers. Many of us try to avoid topics that seem to be shameful, but this has to stop. If you’ve been delaying your visit to the gynecologist, I strongly suggest that you make your doctor’s appointment as soon as possible for your cervical health.

Did you know that cervical cancer is a silent, dangerous threat yet one of the most successfully treatable cancers? Early detection is always the key, and if you haven’t a clue about your cervical health, it’s time to get yourself checked. Here are three things you should be aware of regarding women’s health:

1. The Pap Smear and Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) Test
   Pap smears are able to detect early signs of cervical cancer in women, and have become vital to reducing overall cervical cancer deaths. An HPV test detects the Human Papillomavirus Virus, an extremely common sexually-transmitted disease affecting millions of individuals. HPV can remain dormant and symptom-free for years, but fortunately an HPV test detects the high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer.
2. Symptoms
   This is the most important part of cervical health awareness. The most common reason why most women delay their gynecologist visit is because they don’t feel or notice any signs of the disease. As a matter of fact, cervical cancer symptoms are often nonexistent, and this makes pap smears and HPV tests even more important.
3. Check-Ups and Tests are FREE
   Most health plans include well-woman visits and cervical cancer screenings at no cost. Ask your insurer and review your health insurance plan as most policies cover free preventive services. Make use of this opportunity to get yourself checked.

Encouraging fellow moms to have a healthier life has been one of my greatest priorities. One simple way of doing so is by spreading health awareness that could save countless lives. However, we should start by leading by example. Go to that gyno appointment and encourage every woman you know to do the same, so they too, can have a safer life and better cervical health.