January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month; Allamakee Public Health shares how to lower risks and get screened
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community & Home Care-Allamakee Public Health and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) are working together to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for cervical cancer and provide information about cervical cancer screening. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer along with several other types of cancer. It is also important for women to have regular screenings for cervical cancer. When found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.
Women should start getting Pap tests at 21 years of age. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 3 years until your next Pap test. Women ages 30 to 65 have three options for cervical cancer screening. Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for both boys and girls beginning at 11 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends the HPV vaccine for adolescents. Talk with your healthcare provider about how many doses of HPV vaccine your adolescent needs. Iowa HHS reports that the percentage of Iowa teens ages 13 to 15 who completed the full HPV vaccine series in 2024 was more than double the rate 10 years ago.
Smoking is also a risk factor for cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Women who smoke are about twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don’t. Smoking makes the immune system less effective in fighting HPV infection and could contribute to the development of cervical cancer. If you smoke or use tobacco products and would like to quit, Quitline Iowa is a free program that has helped over 1.5 million people quit tobacco. Visit www.quitlineiowa.org for program information.
Cervical Cancer Screening Resources:
The Iowa Care for Yourself - Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to women who are uninsured and/or underinsured, have barriers to screening and are at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. The program also provides HPV vaccination for those who qualify. Visit hhs.iowa.gov/cfy for additional information.
The Title X Family Planning Program provides access to clinics that give education, counseling, and access to variety of preventive health screenings like breast exams, referrals for mammograms and cervical screenings. Visit hhs.iowa.gov/family-planning to find participating clinics.
Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care - Allamakee Public Health offer the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer at their immunization clinics every Wednesday afternoon. For more information or to make an appointment, feel free to call them at 563-568-5660.
