Information provided by Dr. Dana Kraus
January is Cervical Cancer Month. Cervical Cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death for women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased screening with PAP tests. In recent years, the HPV test has been approved as another screening test for cervical cancer, this can be done alone or at the same time as a PAP test.
Screening tests offer the best chance to have cervical cancer found early when treatment is most successful. Screening can also actually prevent most cervical cancers by finding abnormal cervical cell changes (pre-cancers) so that they can be treated before they have a chance to turn into a cervical cancer. Screening should start at age 21 and continues up to age 65. Depending on the testing done a woman should return in 3-5 years for another PAP/HPV test.
Being alert to any signs and symptoms of cervical cancer such as unusual vaginal bleeding such as bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause; vaginal discharge that is watery, bloody, or has a strong odor; or pelvic pain or pain during sex.
Northern Counties Health Care will be doing a recall if we think you might be due for your cervical screening in January. We understand that you might go to a local gynecologist to have your screening done instead of coming to one of our primary care clinics. If you get a call from us, please let us know if you would like to make an appointment for your annual physical or if you go elsewhere. If you think you are due for cervical screening, please call your primary care or gynecologist. Our goal is to have all of your health information in our medical records as you are part of our medical home, and we keep track of it.
Contact your primary care or women’s health provider with your cervical health questions or to schedule an appointment. Contact information for Northern Counties Health Care’s practices throughout the Northeast Kingdom can be found here.
Dr. Dana Kraus is a Family Physician at St. Johnsbury Community Health Center located at 185 Sherman Drive in St. Johnsbury. She is also the Medical Quality Lead for Northern Counties Health Care.
