Women’s health comes into focus in January – it’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month as well as Thyroid Awareness Month. These issues can greatly affect a woman’s overall health and wellbeing.
Cervical Cancer
According to the CDC, more than 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The good news is that regular screenings can prevent the disease or catch it early when it’s easier to treat.
Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. Most frequently, it occurs in people over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer.
An HPV test and a Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. These tests are usually part of routine care during an annual women’s wellness exam.
Read more about cervical cancer here
Thyroid Health
The thyroid is a gland in the neck that generates chemicals to help regulate the body’s metabolism. It impacts every cell in the body. About 20 million Americans are living with a type of thyroid disease, according to Weill Cornell Medicine. Sixty percent of people are unaware they have a thyroid condition. One in eight women will have a thyroid condition in their lifetime.
Undiagnosed thyroid disorders can lead to cardiovascular illness, osteoporosis and infertility.
Read more about thyroid disease here
What You Can Do
An annual check-up with a women’s healthcare provider usually includes screening tests that can detect both cervical and thyroid issues. Early detection can lead to disease prevention or easier treatment.
It’s important to keep up with routine women’s wellness exams — and now’s a great time to schedule one with Jolena Martin, PA-C, at the Platte Valley Clinic. Call (307) 326-3169 to schedule an appointment.
Read more about Jolena Martin and the Women’s Health services we provide at the North Platte Valley Medical Center by clicking here.
