Cervical Cancer Awareness
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. We want to use this opportunity to encourage everyone to learn more about cervical cancer and how to protect yourself. Cervical cancer used to be a leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. However, vaccines and screenings have made a big impact.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer in the cells lining the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. It connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer is usually found in women ages 35-44.
Learn more about cervical cancer HERE and HERE.
HPV Vaccination
Cervical cancer is most often caused by HPV. HPV is short for human papillomavirus. It is a large group of related viruses. HPV vaccines can help prevent the HPV infections that lead to cancer. HPV vaccination can prevent new HPV infections. It does not treat existing infections or diseases.
HPV vaccines are most recommended for preteens ages 11-12 years old. However, the vaccine can be recommended to people between the ages 9-26 years old. The vaccine is intended to be given before risk of exposure to HPV.
Cervical Cancer Screenings
There are two different tests that can help prevent or detect cervical cancer.
- Pap test or Pap smear: A Pap test looks for precancer cells.
- HPV test: An HPV test looks for the HPV virus.
Regular screenings can be very important! The recommendation for how often to do a screening depends on age.
Speak with your Chapa-De medical provider or click HERE to learn more about the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening.
For more information, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
