January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
Are you a woman or someone with a Cervix? You may want to pay attention to your cervical health. Cervical Cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix– the lower part of the uterus.
According to Cancer.net, when detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate for women with invasive cervical cancer is 92%. About 46% of women with cervical cancer are diagnosed at an early stage. If cervical cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 57%. If cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 17%.
2.4 out of 100,000 people in the U.S. die from Cervical Cancer every year. While that may not seem like a lot, it is. It could affect anyone, including yourself.
Symptoms of cervical cancer usually include:
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Lower back pain
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Pain during sex
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Bleeding during or after sex
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Bleeding between periods
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Unusual vaginal discharge
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, a doctor’s visit should be in your future.
To prevent cervical cancer in the first place, here are some things you can do to prevent it.
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Use condoms during sex
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Get a Pap Test every three years
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Don’t smoke, as this could increase your risk
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Get an HPV vaccine
Pap Tests or Pap Smears can help detect anything wrong down there. Once someone turns 21, they should be getting Pap Tests every 3 years to ensure good vaginal health. Also, a Pap Test can be done during a pelvic exam, but not all pelvic exams include a Pap test. So make sure you are getting regular Pap Tests!
When having sex with a partner, especially someone new, make sure you have good communication with that person. Good sexual communication can ensure healthy sexual habits, and possibly prevent diseases, cancer or STDs. Always use protection too!