January is cervical cancer awareness month. Know your risk factors, be able to identify symptoms, and get tips to reduce your risk.
Women most at risk:
- Are over 30 and have a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection that has not cleared.
- Began having sex an early age
- Have had multiple sexual partners
- Do not have regular cervical cancer screenings
- Smoke
- Have used birth control pills for a long time
- Have a weakened immune system
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a close relative who has had cervical cancer
- Who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
Symptoms:
Precancerous conditions of the cervix do not usually cause symptoms and are only detected with a pelvic exam and a Pap test.
Talk with your healthcare provider right away if you experience and of the following symptoms:
- Increase or unusual discharge from the vagina
- Blood spots or light bleeding at times other than a normal period
- Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer and is heavier than usual
- Bleeding or pain during or after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
Reduce Your Risk
- Talk with your healthcare professional about the HPV vaccine
- Never smoke. If you do, quit
- Practice safer sex and use a new condom the right way every time
- Begin regular cervical cancer screening at age 21
Please contact Althea Moser at amoser@highlands.edu for further information. This wellness initiative is courtesy of the Dept. of Kinesiology and Wellness, the Faculty Grant Scholarship, & the Prevent Cancer Foundation©