January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers with regular screening, follow-up of abnormal results, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. However, recent data shows that almost half of eligible individuals in Northwestern Ontario are not up-to-date with their cervical screening.

Anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69, who has ever been sexually active, should complete a cervical screening Pap test every three years. Screening is for people who have no symptoms and generally feel fine.

“For Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we want to remind you that regular cervical screening is important because it can find early changes that could lead to cervical cancer and treating these changes can prevent cervical cancer from developing,” says Allison Porter, RN, Ambulatory Care, Colposcopy Clinic.

For more information about cervical screening, check out www.cancercareontario.ca/ccaw.