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Women’s Health: Preventing Cervical Cancer

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to remind women that there is much we can do to prevent this disease. More than 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all women are at risk for cervical cancer, although it occurs most often in women over age 30.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity and causes almost all cervical cancer cases. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don’t know they are infected.

The good news?

  • The HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV.
  • Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.

The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion encourages:

  • Women to start getting regular cervical cancer screenings starting at age 21.
  • Parents to make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12.

Teens and young adults also need to get the HPV vaccine if they don’t get it as pre-teens. Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 can still get the vaccine.

Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy. Ask your primary care or OB-GYN provider how you can prevent cervical cancer.

Additional Resources


Obstetrics & Gynecology
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Boulder Medical Center offers complete OB-GYN care in Boulder, Longmont, and Louisville, Colorado.

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