January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. MID FLORIDA CANCER CENTERS wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV (human papillomavirus), the most common sexually transmitted disease. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer.

The good news?

• HPV can be prevented by the HPV vaccine.
• Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, MID FLORIDA CANCER CENTERS encourages:

1. Women to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21
2. Women to get the HPV vaccine before age 27
3. Parents to make sure their pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12
4. Men to get the HPV vaccine if you are under age 22

Thanks to the health care reform law, you and your family members may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company.
Take small steps can help keep you safe and healthy.

Mid Florida Cancer Centers is always Caring for YOUR Life! Let us know if we can help you in any way.

For more information, visit www.MidFloridaCANCERCenters.com

• Lower your risk of getting HPV (human papillomavirus) – the most common sexually transmitted disease. Find out how: http://1.usa.gov/TIwCaE      Tweet this message: http://clicktotweet.com/dR3hZ
• HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease out there. Find out how HPV affects men: http://1.usa.gov/Y1tCN                                                                 Tweet this message: http://clicktotweet.com/88aZ8
• Ask your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine! Boys and girls both need the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12.
• Find out what to expect during a pelvic exam: http://women.webmd.com/guide/pelvic-examination 
• You can help prevent cervical cancer by getting regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care. http://1.usa.gov/uclfGR      Tweet this message: http://clicktotweet.com/fefZk
• A Pap test can catch cervical cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Get more information about Pap tests: http://1.usa.gov/NiJG3B                                                                                         Tweet this message: http://clicktotweet.com/cQUE6
• Find out how often you need to get tested for cervical cancer: http://1.usa.gov/uclfGR         Tweet this message: http://clicktotweet.com/589zT
• A Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer. Find out about free or low-cost ways to get a Pap test. http://cervicalcancer.about.com/od/resourcesandsupport/a/free_pap_smear.htm