Did you know that cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women? According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 13,800 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023, and approximately 4,290 women will die from the disease.
The importance of cervical cancer in women’s health cannot be overstated, especially during Women’s Health Month, as it continues to be the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide.
Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb). Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented, by having regular screening tests and a Pap test, which is a procedure that collects cells from the cervix to be examined for abnormal changes. The HPV vaccine is also available and recommended for girls and boys starting at age 11 or 12 to help prevent the development of cervical cancer later in life. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.
It’s important for women to prioritize their health by scheduling regular check-ups with their healthcare provider and discussing any concerns they may have. Women should also be aware of their risk factors for cervical cancer, which include smoking, a weakened immune system, and a family history of cervical cancer.
Women’s health is a priority at MedPhysicals Plus. We’re proud to be a woman-owned business that specializes in providing top-quality lab testing services. Our Women’s Health Panel is designed by women, for women, and is specifically tailored to assess and monitor women’s health concerns. This test panel covers a wide range of women’s health issues, including hormone levels, thyroid function, breast cancer risk, and more.
REFERENCES:
https://nationaltoday.com/cervical-health-awareness-month/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.wcrf.org/cancer-trends/worldwide-cancer-data/
https://www.nccc-online.org/womenshealthmonth/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12216-cervical-cancer