During January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) encourages all Alabamians to take part in OPERATION WIPE OUT and take the steps that can eliminate cervical cancer.
“It’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month—for now,” Nancy Wright, director of the ADPH Cancer Prevention and Control Division, said. “But we’re working toward a future where this month isn’t a reminder… it’s a celebration, or better, yet no longer needed at all.”
It is now known that cervical cancer can be eliminated, and everyone is needed to help make it happen. Cervical cancer is caused by HPV, the human papillomavirus. Cervical cancer can be eliminated if Alabama residents take three steps to heart: 1) HPV vaccination, 2) HPV/Pap test screening, and 3) Follow-up with your doctor if the HPV/Pap test is abnormal – an abnormal result does not mean a woman has cancer.
Step 1: The HPV vaccine is a powerful step toward a future without cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine prevents the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers. It also protects against five other cancers that impact men and women, including head and neck cancer. It is recommended for boys and girls, and young adults ages 9-26. Discuss the HPV vaccine with your healthcare provider. It is important to get the vaccine before being exposed to the virus. Also, the vaccine is free for boys and girls under age 19 who have no insurance, are underinsured, have Medicaid, or identify as an American or Alaskan Native. For more information, go to https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/vaccines-for-children.html
Step 2: Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21 with a Pap test. Once a woman is age 30, screening should include an HPV co-test or HPV test alone. The HPV/Pap test will determine if a woman has the HPV virus or has pre-cancer. It is over 95 percent effective in discovering cervical pre-cancer or cancer. Women with no insurance and a low income may be eligible for free screening, further testing, and even treatment through the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Call 1-877-252-3324 for more information.
Step 3: If you receive a call from your healthcare provider that the screening test is abnormal, it is essential to return to your healthcare provider. The next step may be to monitor you more closely or have a diagnostic test called a colposcopy to confirm pre-cancer or cancer. Alabama has a higher mortality rate than most of the nation because women do not follow up with the doctor after an abnormal result.
“Most women do not know that cervical cancer can be eliminated,” Mrs. Wright said. “Tell your family, friends, neighbors, church members, and colleagues about the steps needed to stop this cancer. Join OPERATION WIPE OUT, an effort to educate and empower our communities to spread the word about how to end cervical cancer. Together, we can eliminate cervical cancer in Alabama.”
Learn more at https://operationwipeout.org/
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County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.
