When it comes to our overall health, what is the most important thing to remember? It’s wellness visits. The medical field has evolved and with the advent of wellness visits many, if not most, serious illnesses can be detected early with positive results. This is especially true in the case of cervical cancer. Today doctors have the information and tools they need to prevent cervical cancer, but the number of cases of this type of cancer are increasing. Why? And what is cervical cancer?
The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the opening of the vagina. It’s made up of cells that can change from healthy to pre-cancerous. Regular Pap tests along with HPV testing can detect pre-cancerous cells and thus avoid the need for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments if diagnosed with cancer. Most cervical cancers are caused by the HPV virus which is sexually transmitted. Many women will get HPV, but their body will fight the infection. However, when your body can’t fight it, the healthy cells in your cervix can, and most likely will, change to cancerous ones.
According to a supplement to OBG Management, approximately 14,100 new cases are diagnosed annually with 4,280 of those resulting in death due to cervical cancer. The article states “These numbers may appear low, but it is important to remember that the aim of screening is to detect and treat precancerous lesions prior to every developing cervical cancer, which means no one should get or die from cervical cancer.”
Regular Pap and HPV testing are the most used screening tests in the United States. A recent study found that only 65% of women aged 30 to 65 were being screened. It’s suggested that this age group be screened every 5 years. And even more alarming, less than 50% of girls aged 21 to 29 were up to date on their screenings.
Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, most insurance plans cover 100% of preventative care. That includes your annual screenings and means there will be no out-of-pocket expenses. If you don’t have insurance, we have affordable cash pay options available. Today, there’s no excuse not to stay on top of your wellness visits.
Our office has made it even easier for you as you can now schedule your appointments online. You can start an appointment from your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet or even by texting our office.
We’re here to help. Don’t delay and put your health at risk.
