Opening Statement:
Cervical health is one aspect of health that many women neglect throughout their lives. By becoming more knowledgeable about this, women can detect various health issues at an early stage and get access to the best treatment. Cervical Health Awareness Month is marked every year in January to encourage and educate women to be more attentive to their health, and have screenings done yearly.
History Of Cervical Health Awareness Month
· The United States Congress created the Cervical Health Awareness Month, and it’s 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 (H.P.V.).
· 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 H.P.V.16 in patients with cervical cancers. And through continuous research and development, effective vaccines were developed and licensed to prevent major types of H.P.V., including types 16 and 18 that are known to cause cervical cancer. Although H.P.V. vaccination prevents new H.P.V. 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.
Cervical Health Awareness Month Timeline
· 1886 - British Professor John Williams Discovers Cervical Cancer
Sir John Williams, a Welsh physician, is credited with having discovered cervical cancer, by describing an injury that corresponds to carcinoma in the position of the cervix.
· 1943 - George Papanicolaou and Herbert Traut
Papanicolaou and Traut publish their landmark work "Diagnosis of Uterine Cancer by the Virginal Smear," which revolutionized early detection of cancer.
· 1976 - H.P.V. DNA in Cervical Cancer
Harald zur Hausen uncovers H.P.V. DNA in cervical cancer and genital warts, and this discovery later earns him a Nobel Prize.
· 2006 - H.P.V. Vaccines are Introduced in the U.S.
The United States F.D.A. approves Gardasil (H.P.V.4).
How To Observe Cervical Health Awareness Month
· Gather Facts About Cervical Cancer
Gather facts and statistics about cervical cancer from the local health departments of your area. Note down the most relevant information, make copies of the data and distribute it in your neighborhood.
· Organize A Cervical Screening
Ask your local healthcare providers to help set up a cervical screening camp in your school, neighborhood, or organization. Make banners and flyers for the event and distribute them in your area. Ask your friends and colleagues to spread the information about the screening by talking about it on social media.
· Participate In Online Events
Various online podcasts and live sessions are conducted by healthcare providers throughout January to educate people about cervical cancer and H.P.V. Try attending at least one event this Cervical Health Awareness Month. Get familiar with the signs and symptoms of H.P.V. and learn about new ways to prevent it.
Closing Statement:
It is a proven fact that women who smoke are more vulnerable to cervical cancer. What a great reason to stop smoking and start the New Year off to a wonderful and proactive new beginning! As the Human Papillomavirus is an infection that can occur in both men and women, this day is equally important for males and females. Females are encouraged to get a pap smear even if they are not experiencing any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer. Additionally, special programs are conducted for high school students to highlight the importance of H.P.V. vaccines. Teenage girls now have screenings available to them unlike years ago. The entire purpose and procedure of a Pap smear are also explained in detail to young women. This month is also used to create awareness about H.P.V. and its treatment. Since there is no cure for the H.P.V. virus, people are informed about the vaccines for H.P.V. and effective treatments. Another important reason regarding this awareness is, it motivates women to take care of their cervical health. Women get more educated and familiar with the benefits of lifestyle changes and the importance of fruits and vegetables that are rich in folate and vitamin A to prevent cervical cancer. Although the H.P.V. Vaccine cannot cure any existing disease, you should still be tested every year or when your healthcare professional recommends you need to. It is also a fact that H.P.V. is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. Whether or not you are male or female, everyone must at least get one well care checkup per year.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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