January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society,
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate declined by 74% between 1955 and 1992. The main reason for this change is the increased use of the Pap test. This screening procedure can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find early cervical cancer in its most curable stage. The death rate from cervical cancer continues to decline by nearly 4% a year.
It’s amazing how the proper use of one single test can change overall statistics in a devastating cancer among the masses.
Prevention is always better than cure.
I also found this video on Youtube that a nurse created to educate others about cervical cancer. I thought it was pretty cool.
For more information on cervical cancer and Cervical Health Awareness Month, please check out these resources:
What Is Cervical Cancer? American Cancer Society Detailed Guide
Cervical Health Awareness – National Cervical Cancer Coalition
Cervical Cancer FAQ – National Women’s Health Information Center
Take Time to Save Your Life – CDC Podcast on the Pap Smear test
