January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Sauk County, Wis -- Every year about 11,500 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States. Anyone that has a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, but almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that spreads from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It often causes no symptoms, so a person may not even know that they have the virus.

There are ways to lower the risk of cervical cancer, such as:

• Getting vaccinated against HPV
• Having regular HPV screening and Pap Smear tests
• Following up with your doctor if your test results are not normal
• Using condoms and/or dental dams during vaginal, anal, or oral sex

To help raise awareness about cervical cancer, Public Health Sauk County and Healthfirst Network will be hosting a free webinar on Monday, January 29^th at 6:00 PM. Learn from experts about what HPV is, why it is a concern, the HPV vaccine, and other ways to protect yourself. This webinar is for those ages 14 and up. A Spanish interpreter will be present. UPDATE: WEBINAR CANCELED DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT

“Cancer prevention is top of mind for many individuals, and HPV-related cancers are no different,” says Jessica Scharfenberg, Chief Executive Officer at Healthfirst Network, Inc. “However, unlike all other cancers, there is a vaccine to prevent HPV-related cancers-adding another tool to our toolbox to help reduce and eliminate the burden of cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Get informed, screened, and vaccinated.”

For more information about cervical cancer, visit:

• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm
• National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical

Posted on January 10, 2024. Updated January 26, 2024.

Contact: Jessie Phalen, Nurse Manager

Public Health Sauk County

(608)-355-3290

Jessie.phalen@saukcountywi.gov

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