Mount Nittany Health recognizes January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this month is an opportunity to “work together to build healthier communities by improving access to HPV vaccination, screening, treatment for cervical pre-cancer and management of cervical cancer by 2030 and end cervical cancer within a few generations.”

More than 11,000 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, and it occurs most frequently in people over age 30. The main cause of cervical cancer is a long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The good news is that vaccination and regular screening can help to prevent the disease, which is why this month, and beyond, it is important to raise awareness about this disease. Here are a few tips from the WHO about how to help:

• Get informed. Find out the facts about cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes it. Help educate other women in your life too.
• Get screened. Cervical cancer screening typically starts at age 30 and is repeated periodically.
• Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses that should begin when a girl is between 9 and 14 years old.

“Building awareness about cervical cancer is of the utmost importance,” said Angela K. Hardyk, MD, FACOG. “Vaccinations can help to prevent the disease, and regular screenings are also critical. When caught early, cervical cancer is highly treatable. By following the recommendations for screenings and vaccinations, it is possible to imagine a future without cervical cancer.”

This past October, Mount Nittany Health was recognized for its commitment to women’s health through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) in collaboration with Adagio Health. The BCCEDP, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is a valuable resource for uninsured and underinsured women, offering them essential breast and cervical cancer screenings at no cost. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this program plays a pivotal role in detecting signs of breast and cervical cancer early on, promoting better health outcomes for the community.

During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to express our gratitude to Mount Nittany Health’s dedicated providers and staff who support those impacted by cervical cancer and for their efforts to fulfill our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.”