January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Did you know that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month? This month was set aside to help Americans learn more about this deadly disease and ways they can prevent it. Every year, more than 14,000 women in the United States receive a diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer. However, with early screening, vaccination, and medical care, you can prevent cervical cancer completely!
This January, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition will highlight the issues related to cervical cancers and how American women can prevent contracting HPV (Human papillomavirus). HPV is the main cause of cervical cancers, and it is a preventable sexually transmitted infection.
How Can You Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Some women may be at an increased risk of getting cervical cancer. Those risk factors include:
- Numerous sexual partners
- Early sexual activity
- Having another sexually transmitted disease
- Weakened immune systems
- Smoking
- Exposure to DES while pregnant in the 1950s
Advancements in modern technology have reduced cases of cervical cancer. Now, women can receive a vaccine that protects against HPV infection. This, in addition to getting routine screening tests (Pap tests), can significantly reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer in your lifetime. Doctors also recommend practicing safe sex and reducing smoking.
Diagnosing and Staging Cervical Cancer
If your doctor suspects cervical cancer, they will perform a series of tests, starting with a thorough examination of your cervix with a colposcope. This procedure will enable your doctor to obtain tissue through punch biopsy. If this biopsy is concerning, your doctor may opt to perform additional tests to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
If you receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer, your doctor will need to perform more tests to determine the extent or stage of your cancer. This is important because it will directly affect the treatment offered to you.
Some of the additional tests your doctor may order include imaging tests, such as CT, MRI, or PET. These tests can give your medical team a more in-depth look at your cancer and how advanced it is.
We Offer Radiology Services for Cervical Cancer Patients
At Image Care Radiology, we offer state-of-the-art imaging for all cervical cancer patients. From MRIs of the abdomen and pelvis to ultrasounds and PET CT Scans, our team can assist you in getting the right tests done quickly and effectively. Your medical team will determine the type of testing that is appropriate for you – and we will do the rest.
Contact Our New Jersey Radiology Team
If you have received a diagnosis of cervical cancer and your doctors request imaging services, call us immediately. You can trust us to provide extraordinary radiological services timely, so you can get the answers you need and begin your treatment plan.
Our radiology and imaging centers believe in providing exceptional imaging services whenever you need us. If your doctor requests imaging services, give us a call today at 973-871-3333 to schedule an appointment or complete our convenient online appointment request form.