Year-Round Cancer Awareness
January is a month to reflect on the past year and look forward to what lies ahead. For cancer patients, a new year can bring mixed emotions; excitement at having made it to another New Year’s Eve, depression because now they must face another round of chemotherapy, and uncertainty about what the future holds for them and their loved ones.
The American Cancer Society and a variety of other organizations make sure that no one forgets the devastation that cancer brings. Every year, a new calendar gets published, marking the months (and even weeks) that people across the nation should be “aware” of specific types of cancer. Each month there are events, educational opportunities, fundraising efforts, and promotions intended to raise awareness, help patients, and find cures. These events, hosted by too many organizations to list, all focus on the same types of cancer simultaneously.
January is Cervical Health (Cancer) Awareness Month and Cervical Screening Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) the main cause of cervical cancer.” The CDC further states that Cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because screening tests and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections are available. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.”
HPV is transmitted through sexual intercourse, so factors that increase your risk of getting HPV can increase your risk of getting cervical cancer. However, many people who contract HPV do not develop cancer. This means other factors can cause cervical cancer, such as smoking.
Cervical cancer is a particularly dangerous cancer because there are virtually no symptoms in its early stages. Once symptoms do appear, cervical cancer is usually advanced and more challenging to treat.
Preventing HPV can Prevent Some Cervical Cancer
You might be able to lower your risk of getting cervical cancer by speaking with your doctor. The Mayo Clinic suggests having routine PAP tests, practicing safe sex, and asking your doctor about the HPV vaccine can help lower your chance of getting HPV.
Treating Cervical Cancer
Treatment for cervical cancer is often surgical. Removing the cancerous part of the cervix, the entire cervix, or the cervix and uterus are common options. The use of surgery, immunotherapy, radiation, and/or chemotherapy depends on the stage of your cancer and multiple other factors.
Send Cancer Care Packages
At Rock the Treatment, we make it easy to let someone with cancer know you care and support them on their difficult journey. If someone you love has cervical cancer or any other type of cancer, send a helpful cancer gift basket from Rock The Treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation gift baskets are packed with the essentials needed to ease side effects of treatment, as well as enhance physical and mental well-being. See all of our cancer care packages and find the one that best supports their journey.
Source:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm
- https://www.cancer.org/about-us/who-we-are/cancer-awareness-calendar.html
- https://www.choosehope.com/cancer-awareness-months-calendar/
