Be aware of cervical cancer

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Did you know that regular screening for cervical cancer can help identify abnormal cells to prevent or find cancer in its early stages? That’s right, screening for cancers can save lives. Your doctor can help to make sure you get all your needed screenings, but you can also take charge to make sure nothing is missed.

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gives clinical guidelines based on research. They advise that women aged 21 to 65 get screened for cervical cancer. Here are the screening guidelines for women by age group:

•Ages 21 to 29 years: Pap test every three years

•Ages 30 to 65 years: Pap test every three years and HPV test every five years OR co-testing (both Pap and HPV testing together) every five years

A Pap test checks to make sure the cells in your cervix look normal and an HPV test looks for cells with human papillomavirus (HPV). You can get these tests done at your doctor’s office or clinic. They will contact you with your results and provide follow-up instructions or treatment options if needed.

If you are aged 26 or younger, you can also get vaccinated against HPV if you have not already been exposed to the virus. The HPV vaccine is used to prevent cervical and other cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that children get vaccinated against HPV as early as age nine. This includes both boys and girls since HPV can lead to other cancers, not just cervical cancer.

Family Health La Clinica Wautoma offers HPV vaccines and testing and Pap testing to screen for cervical cancer. New and existing patients can call 1-800-942-5330 to schedule an appointment. Family Health La Clinica Wautoma is located at 400 South Townline Road near the water tower.

 

Family Health La Clinica is a community health center with clinics in Wautoma, Mauston, Friendship, Beaver Dam, and Stevens Point. They offer primary medical, dental, mental health, and addiction services to people of all ages and income levels. Private insurance, Medicaid (BadgerCare), Medicare, and uninsured are accepted, with a sliding fee scale for services based on income. Visit their website at www.famhealth.com and follow them on social media @fhlcchc.

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