Write a commentWouldn’t you prevent cancer if you could? You can. There are two ways to prevent cervical cancer — vaccination and screening.
Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Being vaccinated against HPV would prevent most cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine is recommended for children beginning at age 9 and can be given to young adults through age 26. This vaccine can prevent about 90% of HPV-related cancers from occurring later in life, including cancers of the mouth and throat, anus, vulva and vagina, and penis.
The second way to prevent cervical cancer is by getting screened. Cervical cancer screening tests can find the cells that lead to cancer before it starts. These cells can then be removed. Screening also helps to find cancer early when it may be easier to treat. Cervical cancer screening is recommended from age 21 to 65.
The Cancer Prevention in Action program (CPiA) works to increase cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccination rates in our community. We help employers adopt paid time off policies for cancer screening. We educate employees on the importance of getting screened. CPiA also educates health care providers, community organizations, parents, and young adults about the benefits of the HPV vaccine.
Cancer-related costs are expensive and growing. The cost of cancer treatment in the U.S. is projected to increase from $183 billion in 2015 to $246 billion in 2030. Cancer is now the top health care cost for many companies. Many of these costs could be avoided if we found cancer early when it is easier and less costly to treat. Better yet, if we could prevent the cancer altogether.
If you are an employer, health care provider or community-based organization, the CPiA program can provide education and strategies to help you prevent cancer. To learn more, call us at 315-592-0830.
Carolyn Handville
Cancer Prevention in Action of Oswego County
takeactionagainstcancer.com
