January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer.

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

The good news?

• The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV.

• Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.

In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services encourages women to start getting regular cervical cancer screenings at age 21. And parents should make sure their pre-teen gets the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12.

For more information, or to make an appointment, give us a call at (360) 532-8631.