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Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
January 2025: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
As we observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, the urgency to spread awareness about early detection intensifies, as it remains pivotal in preventing and treating this disease. The National Cancer Institute, estimated 13,820 new cases and 4,360 estimated deaths in 2024.
Cervical Cancer is largely preventable through regular screenings and the HPV vaccine. The medical community recommends that women begin screening with regular Pap tests at the age of 21 with follow-up screenings every three years. Combining HPV testing with a Pap smear provides an additional layer of security and prevention. Also, vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) offer effective protection against the HPV virus.
Cervical cancer remains a significant health issue in Boston, especially among low-income women, women of color, and those without health insurance. Cervical screening rates are suboptimal and continue to decline with increasing proportion of Hispanic and black women being screened at too long interval. These groups face barriers to accessing preventive services, resulting in higher rates of cervical cancer and preventable deaths. To combat this, it is crucial to increase awareness, improve access to screenings and vaccinations, and address cultural barriers. Boston residents and health workers must help reduce the stigma surrounding women’s health and promote HPV vaccination and regular screenings.
Whittier Street Health Center reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible services, including affordable screenings, HPV vaccinations, and educational outreach. The goal is to reduce the burden of cervical cancer and empower women to take control of their health, ensuring a healthier, cancer-free future for Boston’s women. It’s important to seek proper medical advice and treatment.
Please join us for Whittier Street Health Center’s Lunch and Learn session – Empowering Women’s Health: Our Pathway to Prevention of Cervical Cancer on January 9th, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m. in our Community Education Room, FREDERICA M. WILLIAMS BUILDING, 1290 Tremont Street, Roxbury. Our Keynote Speaker for the event is Dr. Neha Deshpande. For more information, please call 617 989 3220.