The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Officials recommend steps to prevent cervical cancer

Jan. 17, 2020 - January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and the Oak Park Public Health Department is recognizing the occasion by reminding residents of the many steps that can be taken to prevent cervical cancer.

Each year more than 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common infection that spreads through sexual activity, and it causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.

About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don’t know they are infected.

The good news is the HPV vaccine can prevent HPV. Cervical cancer can also often be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.

The Health Department encourages the following preventative measures:

  • Women receive regular cervical cancer screenings starting at age 21
  • Parents make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12
  • Teens and young adults receive the HPV vaccine if they didn’t get it as pre-teens. Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 can still get the vaccine.

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests to eligible women. More information is available on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

For more information about the Village’s Public Health Department, visit www.oak-park.us/health, email health@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5480.