FORT LEE, Va. (Jan. 19, 2017) -- January is a perfect time to review steps toward having a healthier year. This includes a reminder for women to consider age-appropriate health care screenings.
Since January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the staff at Kenner Army Health Clinic wants to increase awareness about how women can protect themselves from the Human Papillomavirus and cervical cancer.
KAHC clinic staff also wants to remind women of all ages about the importance of completing their annual Pap test screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that average-risk women between the ages of 21-65 get a Pap test (cervical cancer screening) per national guidelines or if recommended by their health care provider. Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screenings to discover pre-cancerous cells. Additionally, the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provide basic guidelines for the majority of the population. There are exceptions that can be discussed with health care providers.
A Pap test is one of the primary ways a woman can be screened for cervical cancer. This procedure finds changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It also can find cervical cancer early − in its most curable stage. Cervical cancer has no early signs or symptoms. Unfortunately, signs usually appear when the cancer is in the later stages.
This cancer was once one of the most common causes of death for American women. Over the last 30 years, the death rate has gone down by more than 50 percent mainly due to the increase in Pap tests.
If you have had a hysterectomy, you may still need cervical cancer screenings. There are many reasons depending on the circumstances and whether your cervix was removed. Providers can help determine how often you need to be screened. National guidelines recommend every three years for this testing.
Great strides have been made in the treatment of cervical cancer ,and one of the greatest advancements has been the creation of vaccines that effectively block the transmission of the Human Papilloma Virus. This virus is estimated to be responsible for about 50 percent of all cervical cancers and about 80 percent of all mouth, throat and colon cancers. The good news is that patients who have received the vaccine have successfully decreased their chances of getting multiple forms of cancer.
The HPV virus is very common, with 80 million people, including teens, becoming infected with HPV each year. For more information, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine.html
Most HPV infections may go away by themselves within two years. Some may last longer and can cause certain cancers. The CDC suggests children 11-12 years old should get two shots of HPV vaccine six-to-twelve months apart. The vaccination schedule may need to be adjusted for the older child and another dose may be recommended. As with all vaccinations, review the educational information provided by the physician offering the vaccine. Take the time to discuss any questions with your nursing care team or provider and which immunization schedule is more appropriate for your child.
"As a health care provider, I feel it is imperative we continue all of our efforts to educate women about cervical cancer and the need for routine screening for the Human Papilloma Virus," said Julia Patsell, nurse practitioner, Wilkerson Pediatric Clinic. "We also need to remind everyone 11-36 years of age to be fully vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus."
Many people think the HPV vaccine only protects girls, but this vaccine protects boys against certain HPV-related cancers, too. Check out why by visiting http://www.cdc.gov/features/hpvvaccineboys/index.html.
The Kenner medical home team recommends an annual "well- woman" visit for all adult women to address gynecological needs or concerns. Pediatric patients can discuss HPV vaccinations during their next visit to the Wilkerson Pediatric Clinic.
To schedule a women's health visit, or pediatric appointment, call 1-866-645-4584 or use TRICARE Online.
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