January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Do you know that almost all (99%) cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. While there are many types of HPV that do not cause problems, a small portion of infections with certain types of HPV can persist and progress to cervical cancer. Thankfully, cervical cancer can be prevented, treated, and cured.

• Get informed. Find out the facts about cervical cancer and HPV that causes it. Help educate other women in your life too.
• Get screened. Cervical cancer screening typically starts at age 30 and is repeated periodically.
• Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses that should begin when a girl is between 9 and 14 years old.

​Contact Ritchie Regional today and get informed; get screened; get vaccinated.

*Underinsured or uninsured? Don't forget that RRHC in collaboration with the WV Dept. of Health & Human Resources, offers the Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Program (BCCSP), which is a comprehensive public health program that helps uninsured or underinsured women gain access to breast and cervical cancer screening services. To learn more about eligibility for this program, please visit the BCCSP's website http://www.wvdhhr.org/bccsp/