RHHD shares tips to protect against cervical cancer
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are urging community members to screen and vaccinate as part of Cervical Health Awareness Month.
In recognition of Cervical Health Awareness Month this January, RHHD shared on Tuesday, Jan. 20, tips for parents and community members to safeguard against cervical cancer.
“Making sure children get the HPV vaccine can help reduce their risk of developing cervical and other cancers,” said RHHD Director Elaine Perry. “We encourage our community to protect their health and the health of their children through vaccination and regular screenings for cervical and other cancers.”
Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination, per RHHD.
- Parents and guardians should make sure their children have their school-required HPV vaccination prior to starting 7th grade.
- Parents and guardians can make appointments for school-required immunizations with their primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or at an in-school clinic.
- Women ages 21 and older should talk to their doctor about cervical cancer screening.
- The United States Department of Health and Human Services recently approved a self-administered test for cervical cancer for women aged 30-65 years at average risk. This test can be completed at home or at a doctor’s office. Insurance plans will be required to cover the full cost of self-collected HPV screenings by Jan. 1, 2027, with no cost to consumers.
According to RHHD, HPV has been recommended for routine use in American women since June 2006.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV causes six different kinds of cancer, including 91% of cervical cancers. HPV also causes 70% of head and neck cancers.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Every Woman’s Life (EWL), a public health program helping uninsured, income-eligible women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services, RHHD said.
To qualify, a woman must be a Virginia resident between the ages of 18 and 64, meet federal income guidelines and be uninsured. RHHD said women aged 18 to 39 must be symptomatic or be determined to be high risk for breast and/or cervical cancer to be eligible.
For more information, visit RHHD's website.
