Screenings you should have Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Anyone between the ages of 12 to 26, regardless of their gender, should talk to their doctor about the HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer at 21 Have a Pap smear every 3 years. Get screened for chlamydia yearly if sexually active. Breast cancer at 40 Talk to your doctor about getting a mammogram every year. Breast cancer at 50 You should start getting a mammogram every other year, until age 74. Colorectal cancer at 50 The most common screenings are stool tests and a colonoscopy. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening earlier. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Celebrate the new year by prioritizing your cervical health! What better way to take care of your health than by making a screening plan with your HPSJ doctor today? Your doctor can help decide what is right for you. Every year more than half a million women worldwide are diagnosed with cervical cancer. But it’s preventable. Screening tests, like a Pap smear and HPV test, can find early signs of cancer and save women's lives. What does a Pap smear look for? A Pap smear is also known as a cervical cancer screening. The test can find abnormal cells in the cervix. If these cells are found early, it can be treated before it turns into cancer. During your exam, the doctor will also screen for human pap- illomavirus (HPV). Who should get a Pap smear? You can prevent cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21 or when you become sexually active. You’ll need one every three years. Why should I get an HPV test? Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a virus called HPV. HPV infections are very common. Anyone between the ages of 12 to 26, regardless of their gender, should talk to their doctor about the HPV vaccine. To learn more and to download educational materials, visit HPSJ’s cervical cancer screening webpage at hpsj.com/cervical-cancer. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 12 Focus Your Health
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