It is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Maintaining a healthy cervix is an unlikely addition to any woman's list of New Year's resolutions, but is definitely one that shouldn't be overlooked! As friends and family make resolutions to lose weight, exercise more or quit smoking—why not try something a little bit different? This year, schedule a Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, as one of your New Year’s resolutions.
There is no better time, as January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Although cervical cancer is a preventable disease, this year more than 12,000 American women will be diagnosed and nearly 4,000 will die from an advanced form of the disease. With a few simple steps most women can greatly reduce their risk of developing cervical health problems like cervical dysplasia, and more seriously cervical cancer. So, here's to a healthy cervix in 2012!
Get a Pap Smear
Many women don't realize how important having a regular Pap smear can be in preventing cervical cancer. In most cases, cervical cancer takes years to develop; having a regular Pap smear detects these changes long before they become cancerous. If you are unsure when your last Pap test was, or have never had one, check with your doctor. Scheduling around an important date, such as a birthday, will help you remember when it’s time for your Pap test.
Follow the Doctor's Recommendations
In order to prevent cervical cancer, women must be proactive in their healthcare. It is surprising at how many women don't follow their doctor's orders. Visits for follow-up Pap smears, colposcopy exams, and treatment often marked as "no show". Lack of insurance, mistrust of doctors, and misunderstanding of recommended follow-up tests are all common reasons. Never leave the doctor's office until you have a complete understanding of the follow-up plan.
Practice Safe Sex
Practicing safe sex not only prevents unwanted pregnancy, it also helps prevents sexually transmitted infections that can make the cervix unhealthy.
Report Symptoms to Your Doctor
Although cervical cancer rarely presents early symptoms, you should always timely report any symptoms you are experiencing to your doctor. Symptoms that may indicate a cervical problem include (but not limited to): pain during sexual intercourse; vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse (post-coital bleeding); abnormal vaginal bleeding(heavy menstrual flow, bleeding between menstrual periods; and vaginal discharge
Resources:
http://www.cancer.org/
http://www.facebook.com/SocietyHighPlains?sk=wall
Center for Health and Wellness provides low-cost health care options for the insured, underinsured, and uninsured regardless of your ability to pay.
