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JanuaryCervical Health Awareness Month

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition

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Cervical Health Awareness

Cervical Health Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer.

About 20 million Americans currently have HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer.

The good news?

  • HPV can be prevented with the HPV vaccine.
  • Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.

Cervical cancer screenings can help detect abnormal (changed) cells early, before they turn into cancer. Most deaths from cervical cancer could be prevented by regular Pap tests and follow-up care.

How can Cervical Health Awareness Month make a difference?

We can use this opportunity to spread the word about important steps women can take to stay healthy.

Here are just a few ideas:

  • Encourage women to get their well-woman visit this year.
  • Let women know that the health care reform law covers well-woman visits and cervical cancer screening. This means that, depending on their insurance, women can get these services at no cost to them.
  • Talk to parents about how important it is for their pre-teens to get the HPV vaccine.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

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Get the Word Out

  Sample Tweets

Lower your risk of getting HPV (human papillomavirus) – the most common sexually transmitted disease. Find out how: http://1.usa.gov/TIwCaE

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease out there. Find out how HPV affects men: http://1.usa.gov/Y1tCN

Ask your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine! Boys and girls both need the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. http://1.usa.gov/lWWco0

Find out what to expect during a pelvic exam: http://mayocl.in/S333my

You can help prevent cervical cancer by getting regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care. http://1.usa.gov/uclfGR

  E-Cards

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) E-cards

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Get Involved

Take action to raise awareness about cervical health.

  1. Partner with other local groups, like cancer networks and community health clinics.
  2. Encourage healthcare providers to offer free or reduced-cost “Pap Days.”
  3. Start a local National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) chapter in your community.
  4. This January, encourage local radio stations to air public service announcements (PSAs) to raise awareness about cervical health.
  5. Recruit local bands to perform a benefit concert to raise money for cervical cancer prevention in your community.

Adapted from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC).
Contact the National Cervical Cancer Coalition at nccc@ashastd.orgfor more information and materials.

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