January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and the Health Department wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer. HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It’s also a major cause of cervical cancer. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don’t know they are infected. The good news?
HPV can be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.
Your Health Department encourages:
women to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21
women to get the HPV vaccine before age 27
parents to make sure their pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12
men to get the HPV vaccine if you are under age 22
Thanks 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.
Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy. Please call the Health Department at 973.680.4058 if you have any questions.
