by DR. JOY JACKSON
Happy 2025! Many people begin the new year with resolutions and plans to do the year right, to do better than they did the year before. Most of these resolutions come in the form of personal goals that people want to meet. But what about health? This January, for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Department of Health in Polk County encourages women to take proactive steps to protect their cervical health.
According to the American Cancer Society, rates of cervical cancer have been increasing among women in their 30s and 40s in recent years. It’s been suggested by health experts that this rise is linked to low HPV vaccination rates among women older than 30 as well as declining cervical cancer screening rates.
Between 2005 and 2019, the percentage of women in the United States who were overdue for cervical cancer screening increased from 14% to 23% according to data from the CDC’s US National Health Interview Survey. The most common reason cited for missing screenings was simply being unaware of the need for screening.
Looking closer to home, the most recent data shows that the cervical cancer rate in Polk County is higher at 11.7 per 100,000 people, compared to 9 in Florida. The mortality rate is also higher in Polk, at 2.7, compared to 2.4 statewide.
All of these statistics highlight the importance of equipping Polk County residents with the knowledge and resources needed to safeguard their cervical health.
Here’s what you need to know:
Cervical cancer affects the cervix, and it occurs most often in people older than 30. The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers, especially when caught early.
Get regular screenings. Regular screenings are very important for detecting precancerous changes in the cervix. The HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or detect it at an early stage. The HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus, the virus responsible for most cervical cancers. The Pap test, more commonly known as the Pap smear, looks for cell changes in the cervix that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends the following cervical cancer screening schedule for women aged 21 to 65:
- Women ages 21 to 29 are recommended to get a Pap test every three years.
- Women ages 30 to 65 are recommended to get a Pap test every three years, an HPV test every five years, or a combination of Pap and HPV testing (co-testing) every five years.
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best screening schedule for you. In addition, the Florida Department of Health offers low-cost or free cervical cancer screenings for those who qualify. Polk residents can call 813-307-8082 to check eligibility.
Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective. It protects against the types of HPV most commonly linked to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine prevents new HPV infections, but it doesn’t treat existing infections or disease. So, it works best before HPV exposure. The vaccine is recommended for preteens ages 11 to 12 years but can be given up to age 26 or even later in certain cases. If you haven’t been vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider about whether it’s right for you. The Department of Health in Polk County offers HPV vaccine for uninsured and underinsured clients aged 19 to 26 and can offer it to clients aged 27 to 45 with a doctor’s note or a prescription. Call the department at 863-519-8233 to inquire about your eligibility for the HPV vaccine.
Change lifestyle habits. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer, as do unsafe sexual practices. By practicing safe sex and avoiding smoking, you can decrease your risk of developing cervical cancer.
This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, let’s go beyond resolutions. Make the call today to schedule your screening or vaccine appointment and prioritize your cervical health. About the Author: Dr. Joy Jackson, an internal medicine physician, serves the community as director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk). For more information about DOH-Polk, visit mypolkhealth.org. Follow DOH-Polk on Twitter at twitter.com/FLHealthPolk.