Updated January 2022
Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix — the lower part of the uterus. This is sometimes called the uterine cervix (American Cancer Society). Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and it can be deadly. However, cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screenings and follow-up treatment care (CDC).
We decided to talk with Julie Langston, a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, to give you her expertise on Cervical Cancer and why Cervical Cancer awareness is important.
Cervical Cancer & Women’s Health Talk with Nurse Practitioners Julie Langston
What is one thing women should know about Cervical Cancer that might not be common knowledge?
Julie: You can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by receiving HPV vaccination for ages 9-26 years old. Ideally, vaccination should be completed before the onset of sexual activity.
What services does the Family Health Clinic provide that can help prevent or educate about Cervical Cancer?
Julie: We provide access to women for GYN wellness visits where we can screen for cervical cancer with a pap smear.
What steps should women take to be more knowledgeable about Cervical Cancer and overall Cervical Health?
Julie: Routinely schedule gynecological wellness visits where you can be assessed for cervical cancer risk and receive education about reducing your risks.
What are some important facts about overall cervical health?
Julie: Cervical cancer screening starts at 21 but prevention starts earlier with routine childhood HPV vaccinations. Males also should get HPV vaccination to decrease the risk of spreading HPV to women.
What additional information do you think people should know about cervical health and cervical cancer?
Julie: In 2018, the FHC approved to extend the age range for the Gardasil Information on FDA approval to extend the age range for the Gardasil vaccine. Now, the HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years. (Vaccination can be started at age 9.)
Check with your insurance company to check if your child
Insurances may not cover this new age range yet, so be sure to check with your insurance company. The patients would need to check benefits with their insurance company. Click here for more information.
One thing that’s important to note is that older women still need pap tests. Women who are past reproductive age may no longer visit a gynecologist, believing that they no longer need regular screening. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition states that, “the result (of this belief) can be deadly: One in four cases of cervical cancer, and 41% of deaths, occur in women age 65 and older.”
To learn what’s best for you, speak with your healthcare provider to see what is recommended given your own history.
What is one of your favorite parts of being a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner?
Julie: I enjoy educating women about their health, helping to identify their gynecological health risk factors, and helping them make a plan to reduce those risks.
Take steps to protect yourself from Cervical Cancer.
Here are some things you can do to educate yourself about cervical cancer further and protect yourself.
Take the time to schedule an appointment with Julie and discuss HPV, Cervical Cancer, or any of your other women’s health needs. Call (800) 321-5043 to schedule your appointment today.
