Cervical health
Each year, about 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S. Cervical cancer may be fatal, but, in some cases, it can be prevented. You can help reduce your risk of cervical cancer by having Pap tests regularly; quitting smoking, if you smoke; and using latex condoms during sex to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections. January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, so visit the following Web sites for more information about what you can do to stay healthy.
“Genital Warts”: familydoctor.org – Genital warts are caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV are directly related to cancer of the cervix. You can learn more about genital warts and what you can do to protect yourself on familydoctor.org. “Human Papillomavirus Testing” provides information about HPV testing. “Pap Smears: When Yours is Slightly Abnormal” can help you understand what abnormal Pap smear results mean.
http://www.nccc-online.org/patient.php: National Cervical Cancer Coalition – What is a Pap test? Why should you have one? This Web site answers these questions and more. On the National Cervical Cancer Coalition Web site, you can also find lots of helpful information about HPV infection and its association with cancer of the cervix. Information about early detection and treatment of cervical cancer is also available on the site.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2x.asp?sitearea=&dt=8: American Cancer Society – Visit this site to learn more about how HPV infections can lead to cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society Web site also provides information about who should have an HPV test and how to prepare for it. Do you know the difference between a Pap smear and an HPV test? Find the answer on this Web site.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcervicalchanges: National Cancer Institute – The National Cancer Institute Web site can help you understand what cell changes in your cervix mean. On this site, you can also find information about Pap smears and HPV tests. Visit (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cervix) to learn more about risk factors, screening, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
Information taken from FamilyDoctor.org. Visit this site for more information.
