January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, established by the U.S. Congress in
2009 to emphasize the importance of cervical health education, preventative screenings, and vaccinations. We are offering free Pap/HPV testing in January to help you make this
important step. Pace Health Connection encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being
by learning about cervical health and taking proactive steps to improve overall health
outcomes. Cervical cancer may be prevented by early detection and vaccination. Regular
screenings can identify cervical changes before they develop into cancer or detect the disease in its early stages. Additionally, the HPV vaccine, approved by the FDA in 2006, provides a safe and effective way to bolster the immune system against the human papillomavirus, a leading cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine gives the body a safe way to build immune system awareness.
Each year there are approximately 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed, resulting in
nearly 4,000 deaths. To help reduce these numbers, individuals should follow age-specific
cervical cancer screening recommendations:
Under age 21: A pap test is not required.
Age 21-29: A pap test is recommended to be completed every 3 years.
Age 30-65: A pap test and HPV test (co-testing) are recommended every 5 years, or a pap test alone every 3 years and an HPV test every 5 years.
65 years and older: Routine screening is not required if you have had normal results in the past 10 years or if your doctor gives you different recommendations.
Added screening may be necessary depending on the outcome of the pap and HPV test results.
Make your health a priority in 2025 by scheduling a well-woman visit with Health Connection.
There may be no co-pay, deductible, or out-of-pocket cost. To schedule an appointment or
speak to a healthcare provider, call the Health Connection clinic nearest you, Bedford (812)
675- 0247, Sullivan (812) 638-2998, Terre Haute (812) 234-0707, Vincennes (812) 882-6069,
and/or Washington (812) 254-6936. Please visit our website at
https://www.pacecaa.org/health-connection for more information about our services. Don’t
wait—call today to schedule your Pap/HPV testing and take an important step toward
protecting your health.
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