Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer

January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month. As the month draws to a close, we at RediClinic want to ensure that our communities are aware of the causes and symptoms associated with common cervical conditions, and the latest prevention methods available to ensure you and your family stay healthy.

What is HPV and How Do You Know If You Have It?

Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. Approximately 79 million Americans are currently infected, and more than half of sexually active men and women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that HPV is the cause of about 91 percent of cervical cancer diagnoses each year. But it’s important to note that HPV is preventable and can be caught early with appropriate screenings (Pap and HPV tests) and vaccination.

Most HPV infections don’t cause any symptoms, as the body’s immune system will fight off HPV before it produces any. However, when signs or symptoms do occur, it can be weeks, months or even years after being infected with the virus. Common signs of HPV can be genital warts, warts in the throat, cervical cancer in women, and certain kinds of cancer in men. In fact, the latest data by the CDC shows almost 42,700 HPV-associated cancers occur in the United States each year, with cervical cancer as the 3rd leading cause of cancer related deaths among women around the world.

While there is not currently a cure for HPV infection, it can be prevented in most cases and some of the problems it causes can be treated. That’s why it’s so important to get vaccinated and stay up-to-date with preventive screenings.

The HPV Vaccine: Why and When to Get Vaccinated

The HPV vaccine, FDA approved Gardasil®9, can help prevent against two high-risk types of HPV that cause an estimated 70% of cervical cancer, and two types that cause an estimated 90% of genital warts. Research shows that the HPV vaccine is highly effective and has helped to lower HPV infection rates in teen girls by 56% while also decreasing cases of genital warts caused by HPV infections in teens.

Because HPV infection is easily acquired, even with only one sex partner, it’s important to get the HPV vaccine before any sexual contact takes place. As such, the CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for girls and boys 11 to 12 years of age, but the vaccine may be given starting at age 9.

The HPV vaccine is given in two doses:

• 1st Dose (at the time of your appointment to begin vaccination)
• 2nd Dose 1 to 2 months after Dose 1

The HPV vaccine is expected to provide long-lasting protection, but it is not a substitute for cervical cancer screening. Women should still continue to get regular Pap tests.

Because the HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, an annual physical is the perfect time to get the HPV vaccine. But you can walk into your nearest RediClinic any time to get the vaccination as well. RediClinic is open seven days a week with extended weekday hours.

Schedule an Appointment at RediClinic Today!

About RediClinic:

RediClinic provides high-quality, convenient and affordable healthcare that fits your lifestyle. Located inside select Rite Aid Pharmacies and H-E-B grocery stores, our board-certified clinicians diagnose and treat more than 30 common medical conditions, and prescribe medications when appropriate. We also offer a broad range of preventive services including screenings, medical tests, immunizations and physical exams.

RediClinic is open 7 days a week and accepts most major insurance plans. Appointments are recommended for a same- and next-day visit, but walk-ins are welcome.

This Patch article is sponsored by RediClinic.

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