Know the Facts: Cervical Cancer

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the American Cancer Society, it is predicted that more than 13,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease this year.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Individuals can decrease their risk of getting both HPV and multiple cancers by getting the HPV vaccine, which was previously only approved for people between the age of 9 and 26. But in October of 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the age indication for the Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine, which can now be administered up to the age of 45.

For those who are diagnosed with cervical cancer, there are a number of treatment options available, from immunotherapy to chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Recent research even found that aromatherapy and reflexology can reduce pain and anxiety for women with the disease.

Cervical cancer survival varies, depending on staging and other health factors, but many women with the disease live for years after being diagnosed. For more information on the late-effects of cancer — and managing survivorship – check out our most recent issue of Heal.