Cervical health awareness month is nearly over. But once January is said and done, it is still important to take steps to lower your risk for cervical cancer. And HPV vaccines are a potential prevention option for women.
Did you know that 99 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV? That is what Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, associate professor at the Mayo Clinic told media outlets.
HPV is more common than you may think . . .
- 79 million people in the U.S. have HPV. Making HPV vaccines vital.
- 14 million people were diagnosed last year alone.
- HPV is so common that most men and women will be infected with some type of the virus in their lives.
Health problems of HPV include . . .
Genital Warts
Before HPV vaccines, about 350,000 women and men had genital warts caused by HPV. In fact, one in 100 sexually active adults in the U.S. have genital warts.
Cervical Cancer
More than 11,000 women get cervical cancer per year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
HPV Vaccines for Cervical Cancer
Have you been vaccinated?
Ten years ago one of the HPV vaccines that helped reduce risk of cervical cancer became available. Now the CDC suggests kids 11 to 12 years old get the vaccine. These vaccines can be given up to the age of 26 too.
Although there is only one clinical trial for HPV vaccines, the research has shown benefits for reducing cervical cancer and pre-cancers.
When Was Your Last Pap Test?
Doctors agree that regular Pap tests for women help screen for cervical cancer. They suggest that women get screened once every three years after your 21st birthday.
With concerns hovering over Planned Parenthood funding, regular screening for women may no longer be available to those without medical insurance.
This could cause HPV vaccines to decline among women. And subsequently, cervical cancer cases to rise.
Cervical Cancer Death Rates 77 Percent Higher than Previously Believed
Planned Parenthood funding is 75 percent government funded. The Medicaid program is the main source for providing healthcare to low-income patients with nowhere else to turn.
This includes vital STD tests, cancer screenings, and HPV vaccines.
However, the healthcare woes continue to arise based on a new study finding cervical cancer death rates to be much higher than previously believed.
Death rates are 77 percent higher for black women, and 47 percent higher for white women.
Doctors Online Battles Healthcare Issues for Americans
Do you have medical concerns and no medical insurance to get the answers to your growing health concerns? Doctors online may be an excellent place to turn for the answers you deserve.
Not only are U.S. doctors and medical specialists available on a secure platform. They have the knowledge to offer medical advice and second opinions for a variety of women’s health issues like HPV vaccines and cervical cancer.
Are you at risk for HPV? Do you need critical answers about cervical cancer symptoms? We want to hear where you find answers.
Submitted by Dr. Richard Honaker: https://www.independentmedicalexaminer.com/IME-Directory/Virginia/Dr-Richard-A-Honaker-MD.asp
