From the Florida Department of Health in Orange County
In Summary:
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is marking Cervical Cancer Awareness Month by raising awareness about the importance of early detection and education. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with more than 1,000 cases diagnosed each year in Florida. Health officials stress that regular Pap and HPV screenings can identify abnormal cells early, when the disease is highly treatable.
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The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of prevention, early detection, and education focused on cervical cancer.
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Cervical cancer, cancer of the cervix, is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Each year in Florida, over 1,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Fortunately, cervical cancer is highly curable when found and treated early, even before symptoms appear.
Screening and Detection
A Pap test and HPV (human papillomavirus) test may help prevent cervical cancer or detect it during early stages. The purpose of the Pap test is to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, and the HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus that can cause these cell changes. When abnormal cells are found and treated early, cervical cancer can be prevented or cured.
Women should talk to their health care provider to discuss when to begin cervical cancer screening and how often to be screened. The general screening recommendations follow:
- Women ages 21-29 years should be screened with a Pap test alone every 3 years. • Women ages 30-65 years should be screened every three years with a Pap test alone, every five years with HPV testing alone, or every five years with an HPV test along with a Pap test.
Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Women ages 40-64 with low income or without health insurance may be eligible for free or low-cost screening through the Florida Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Cervical cancer is often curable when detected and treated at an early stage. To see if you qualify for these screenings, call 407-858-1421 or visit the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program webpage.
Key Points:
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January is recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in Orange County.
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Cervical cancer is highly curable when detected and treated early.
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Pap and HPV tests can prevent cervical cancer or detect it in its earliest stages.
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Women ages 21–65 are encouraged to follow age-based screening guidelines.
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Eligible women may qualify for free or low-cost screenings through a state program.
The Florida Department of Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.
