Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

As we step into the New Year, we would like to spotlight Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Nearly 500 women in Ohio are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. However, prevention and early detection are key when it comes to cervical cancer, and there are resources available to help.

In the United States, women have a one in 163 lifetime risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. There are many factors that can contribute to an individual's risk. Infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. While most people clear the virus on their own with little to no symptoms, some people do not. These persistent HPV infections carry an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, including cervical cancer. Vaccination before exposure to the virus and regular screenings are important tools to reduce cervical cancer rates in Ohio.

Cervical cancer is preventable. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective, with the potential to eliminate more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV infections. HPV vaccine is available at no-cost to adolescents through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for those who are eligible. When diagnosed at a local (early) stage, the five-year survival rate is 92%, as opposed to 17% for women diagnosed at a distant (late) stage. This is why screening as recommended is so important.

Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the following for the early detection of cervical cancer:

• For women ages 21 to 29 years, a Pap test alone every three years.
• For women ages 30 to 65 years, screening every three years with Pap alone, every five years with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone, or every five years with hrHPV testing in combination with Pap testing.

Understanding that early detection is the key to survival, the Ohio Department of Health's Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) can help all women navigate cancer screenings. BCCP offers no-cost cervical and breast cancer screenings and diagnostic testing to qualified participants. BCCP is also a resource for women through their Patient Navigation Program. This program helps guide women through the healthcare system, find providers and community resources, and answer questions about scheduling appointments, using insurance, and more.

For more information about the Ohio BCCP or to see if you qualify for no-cost screenings, call 1-844-430-BCCP (2227) or visit Breast & Cervical Cancer Project | Ohio Department of Health.