Cancer Awareness Info & Events

January is a significant month for cancer awareness, primarily known as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, focusing on prevention, HPV vaccination, and screening, with related events like Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (UK) and Less Survivable Cancer Awareness Day which are both around January 11th. Cancer organizations use January to highlight cervical health, promoting Pap smears, HPV vaccines, and education to reduce preventable cancers. 
Cancer Awareness Info & Events

Learn About Cervical Cancer Prevention & Support

Local Events
  • the word "What..." in dark teal with light pink background

    Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells arise in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. HPV is almost always the cause of cervical cancer, which is why vaccines against the virus are an important part of cervical cancer prevention strategies. 

    Nearly all people who are sexually active will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections go away on their own within a year or two as the immune system controls the infection. These short-term infections do not cause cancer. When a high-risk HPV infection lasts for years, it can lead to changes in the cervical cells, resulting in a precancerous lesion. If the precancerous lesion is not found and removed, it may eventually develop into cervical cancer.

    To learn moire about HPV causes, visit HPV and Cancer

  • The word "Symptoms..." in light pink with dark teal background

    Warning signs of cervical cancer often involve:

    1. Unusual Bleeding- Between periods, after sex, post-menopause

    2. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge- An increase in watery, pale, or bloody discharge that has a foul odor.

    3. Pelvic Pain- Persistent pain or pressure in the pelvis that isn't related to your menstrual cycle. 

    4. Pain During Sex-Discomfort or pain experienced during or after sexual intercourse. 

    5. Changes in Urinary/Bowel Habits- Difficulty or pain when urinating,blood in urine, frequent urges to urinate, or changes in bowel movements. 

    6. Weight Loss/Fatigue- sometimes unexplained weight loss or fatigue

    Early stages often lack symptoms, highlighting the need for regular Pap tests.

    These symptoms don't always mean cancer, but it's crucial to see a healthcare provider if you notice any of them to get a proper diagnosis.

  • The word "Prevention..." in dark teal with light pink background

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three vaccines—Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix—that prevent infection with certain subtypes of HPV including HPV 16 and HPV 18, two high-risk HPVs that cause nearly 70% of cervical cancers.

    Usually, cervical cancer develops slowly over time, and another powerful preventive measure is Pap test screening, a procedure during which cells are collected from the surface of the cervix and examined. The Pap test can both detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment outcomes tend to be better, and detect precancerous abnormalities, which can then be treated to prevent them from developing into cancers.

1 3
Local Events