In the spirit of good health and even better information, we wanted to provide some insight into why January is known as National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

The statistics surrounding cervical cancer can seem pretty scary. After all, more than 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year, and nearly 4,000 women will die as a result.

But did you know that cervical cancer is the most preventable form of cancer? Cervical cancer is the only known cancer to be caused primarily by a common virus, the sexually transmitted infection known as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). And thanks to vaccines, the risks of contracting the more dangerous forms of HPV can become diminished. For more information on HPV vaccines, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website or talk to your medical provider.

However, there are other ways to stay on top of your cervical health.

Changes in your cervix can occur regularly, so obtaining regular pap tests from your gynecologist is very important. Make sure if you receive an abnormal pap test from your gynecologist, that you follow up. Don’t leave your health to fate, be an active pursuer of your cervix’s well-being!

If you are a smoker, quit now! Smoking has been known to increase women’s chances of developing cervical cancer, especially if you have already been diagnosed with HPV.

There is no better prevention than protection. The risks of contracting HPV increase with the number of sexual partners women have throughout their lifetime. Limiting the number of partners will limit your chances of developing HPV. If you are sexually active, use condoms every time. This will undoubtedly decrease your risk of contracting a dangerous strain of HPV and thus developing cervical cancer or other related infections and viruses.

Only you know how your body feels, and only you can determine if something ever feels off or wrong. If you don’t have a gynecologist that you see regularly in the area, find one now! Do a search online, read through reviews of medical providers, and make sure the medical provider you see is covered under your health insurance plan. If you don’t have health insurance, be sure to check out any number of clinics in the area, or contact the YWCA’s Women’s Health Outreach Program Manager Ingrid Berkhout to access no-cost mammograms and cervical exams in Seattle, King County and Snohomish County.

Happy Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!

Information for this blog post was provided by: Northwest Herald and about.com.