Cervical Cancer 101: What You Need to Know January 25, 2017

Cervical cancer, caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), was once the leading cause of cancer death in women. Due to increased regularity of Pap tests, cervical cancer has dropped significantly over the past half century. Today, it is estimated that 12,000 women in the USA are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. Every sexually active person will most likely acquire HVP in their lifetime. While condom use may lower a person’s chances of acquiring HPV, they do not prevent it completely. Often, there are no symptoms of HVP, and the virus can lay dormant for years. While the virus will typically clear by itself, certain strains can remain and cause the spread of abnormal, cancerous cell growth over time. Read the facts in the following infographic, or visit cdc.gov to learn more – and be sure you visit your physician for a routine Pap smear every three years, or as recommended by your physician.

Share the Facts. Destigmatize the Cervix. Save a Person.

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic provides medical care to eligible patients, just like any family practitioner or internist – but it is free. We serve uninsured adults living at or below 200 % of the Federal poverty level who live or work on Johns, Wadmalaw or James Islands. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.