According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of health Services, January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Bloom Medical wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer, and we are committed to helping educate and spread the word. Each year, more than 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer, more often than not, a preventable disease.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity, and it causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don’t know they are infected.

The good news?

The HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV.
Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.

In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Bloom Medical encourages:

Women to start getting regular cervical cancer screenings at age 21
Parents to make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12

Teens and young adults also need to get the HPV vaccine if they didn’t get it as pre-teens. The vaccine is now available to be received up to age 45.

According to the health care reform law, you and your family members may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to learn more.

Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy.

For more information, stay tuned this month as we explore cervical cancer: what it is, prevention, detection, treatment, and the future for it. And of course, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to get in contact with the office, we are here to help you bloom into your best!