January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a disease that can be treated if detected early by screening and prevented with the HPV vaccine.

Each year, more than 13,000 women in the US are diagnosed with cervical cancer according to the American Cancer Society. 

It’s the fourth most common cancer among women, and one of the most treatable, if detected early. 

It’s also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. 

Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Lindsey Buckingham said around 90% of all cervical cancer cases come from patients with HPV. 

She said getting vaccinated against HPV at an early age is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. 

“The HPV vaccine is shown to reduce cancer rates in the cervix and then also in head and neck cancers, so it’s a really easy and efficacious way to prevent cancers,” she explained. 

Buckingham added—for women over the age of 30—regular pap smears with your OBGYN and primary care checkups can help with early detection.