Prioritizing Cervical Health: A Celebration of Cervical Health Awareness Month

As we ring in the New Year, the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center joins January’s nationwide celebration of Cervical Health Awareness Month. Our commitment to the well-being of our community includes making cervical health and gynecological wellness a priority.

In the past, cervical cancer has been a leading cause of death among women in the United States. But with advancements in prevention and early detection, there are now fewer people being diagnosed with cervical cancer and fewer people dying from it.

Promoting Cervical Health:

To champion the cause of cervical health, we focus on the importance of vaccination, screening, and controlling risk factors. These play a pivotal role in the early detection and in preventing cervical cancer. One of the key screening procedures is the Pap smear, a test designed to detect any signs of cancer by collecting cells from the cervix.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Vaccination:

Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) pose a major risk to cervical health. This is why we strongly recommend the HPV vaccine for people aged 9 through 26. Given that HPV is a major risk factor for cervical cancer, regular testing is recommended along with the Pap smear: every five years for HPV and every three years for the Pap test. By addressing this risk factor head-on, we take an important step toward preventing cervical cancer.

Additional Risk Factors:

It is essential that we recognize other risk factors, too. Smoking, age, and immune system conditions can also lead to cervical cancer developing in the body. By understanding and addressing these risk factors, people can take action to protect their cervical health.

Yuhan Kim, a Certified Nurse Midwife at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, emphasizes the significance of cervical health in overall wellness. “The importance of cervical health cannot be overstated,” said Kim. “We encourage the community to utilize screening and vaccination services to make their health a priority and lower their risk of cervical cancer.”

Early Detection Matters:

Screening is a critical part of cervical health because early detection dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment. The later stages of cervical cancer can be more challenging to fight, highlighting the importance of regular screenings.

At the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, our Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) team offers a comprehensive range of cervical health care, including screening, HPV testing, and vaccination. Schedule your appointment today by calling 212-966-0228 (Manhattan) or 718-886-1287 (Queens).