HEALTH COMMITTEE CONTINUES

American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends:

1. HPV Vaccine in male and female children from age 9-12

2. HPV Vaccine for all from age 13-26

3. ACS does not recommend HPV vaccination in persons older than 26 years of age

4. Limit exposure to HPV by limiting skin to skin contact, limiting the number of sexual partners and condom use.

5. Smoking cessation

In addition to HPV vaccine, other ways to prevent cervical cancer include:

-Maintaining a healthy body weight

-Healthy eating- including having 2 and a half cups of fruits and vegetables per day and limit alcohol consumption.

Physical activity- 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week; in children and teens at least 1 hour per day.

If you are diagnosed with Cervical Dysplasia or Cervical Cancer do not delay treatment. This is a treatable problem. Depending on the stage, treatment can vary. However, options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. For those of child bearing age, there are fertility preserving options such as ovary and uterus sparing procedures as well as freezing eggs.

For those that may have issues with coverage under insurance for cervical cancer screening, the CDC has a National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For further information, please follow up with your physician or GTO Health Committee.