January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
The United States Congress designated January of each year as Cervical Health Awareness Month, reminding everyone of the importance of cervical health awareness and disseminating information about the HPV vaccine.
Cervical cancer is the 6th most common cancer in women in the Easter Mediterranean Region, and in 2020, an estimated 89,800 women were diagnosed and more than 47,500 died from the disease. While it is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, it can be prevented with vaccination and appropriate screening. In the US, nearly 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, but the disease is virtually always preventable with HPV vaccination and appropriate screening (Pap smear).
Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. Almost all (99%) cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. Most sexually active women and men will be infected at some point in their lives and some may be repeatedly infected. HPV is sexually transmitted, but penetrative sex is not required for transmission. Skin-to-skin genital contact is a well-recognized mode of transmission.
There are many types of HPV, and many do not cause problems. HPV infections usually clear up without any intervention within a few months after the acquisition, and about 90% clear within 2 years. A small proportion of infections with certain types of HPV can persist and progress to cervical cancer.
History of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
The United States Congress created Cervical Health Awareness Month, which is observed throughout the U.S. in January. It is estimated that over 13,000 females suffer from cervical cancer in the U.S. each year. Fortunately, cervical cancer can be easily prevented through vaccination and early detection. Throughout January, various events are hosted by healthcare providers around the country to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). During the 1800s in western Europe, cervical cancer was one of the most common forms of malignant tumor found in women. It was one of the leading causes of cancer death for women in European countries. Since 1950, efforts have been made to control the disease through early screening and treatment.
In the mid-1940s, Dr. Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou’s ‘Pap smear’ cancer screening method was practiced in the U.S. Later, the test became equally popular in the U.K., and a special program for early cervical cancer detection and screening was introduced in 1988. In the late 1970s, screeners were also able to detect HPV 16 in patients with cervical cancers. And through continuous research and development, effective vaccines were developed and licensed to prevent major types of HPV including types 16 and 18 which are known to cause cervical cancer. Although HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, it does not treat existing ones. These vaccines are most effective when taken before exposure to H.P.V; therefore, regular screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. And the main idea behind Cervical Health Awareness month is to raise awareness in the community about the benefits of early detection when there are no symptoms of the disease.
Importance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
The American Cancer Society's estimates for cervical cancer in the United States for 2022 are:
- About 14,100 new cases of invasive cervical cancer
- About 4,280 deaths from cervical cancer
On this Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the messages are clear.
- Get informed. Find out the facts about cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes it. Help educate other women in your life too.
- Get screened. Cervical cancer screening typically starts at age 30 and is repeated periodically.
- Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses that should begin when a girl is between 9 and 14 years old.
This observance creates awareness and motivates women to take care of their cervical health. Women get more familiar with the benefits of lifestyle changes and the importance of those fruits and vegetables that are rich in folate and vitamin A to prevent cervical cancer. Females are encouraged to get a pap smear even if they are not experiencing any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer. Moreover, special programs are conducted for high school students to highlight the importance of HPV vaccines. The entire purpose and procedure of a Pap smear are also explained in detail.
This month is equally important for males and females. The Human Papillomavirus is an infection that can occur in both men and women. And this month is also used to create awareness about HPV and its treatment. Since there is no cure for the HPV virus, people are informed about the vaccines for HPV and effective treatments to assuage the effect in carriers.
HPV Vaccines
HPV vaccines can help prevent infection from both high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low-risk types that cause genital warts. The CDC recommends all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 as the vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only two doses are the vaccine are required. The vaccine is available for all males and females through age 45 but, for those 15 and older, a full three-dose series is needed.
Pap Test
A Pap test can find cell changes to the cervix caused by HPV. HPV tests find the virus and help healthcare providers know which women are at the highest risk for cervical cancer. Pap and HPV tests (either alone or in combination) are recommended for women over 30: each woman should ask her healthcare provider how often she should be screened and which tests are right for her.
Observing Cervical Health Awareness Month
Various online podcasts and live sessions are conducted by healthcare providers throughout January to educate people about cervical cancer and HPV. Try attending at least one event this Cervical Health Awareness Month. Get familiar with the signs and symptoms and learn about new ways to prevent it.
Sources:
https://menomartha.com/cervical-health-awareness-month-2023/
https://www.immunizepa.org/january-2020-cervical-health-awareness-month/
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/statistics