January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and Putnam County Hospital wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer. Each year, more than 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very 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 HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV. Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.

In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Putnam County Hospital encourages women to start getting regular cervical cancer screenings at age 21. They encourage parents to make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. Teens and young adults also need to get 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.

Putnam County Hospital’s mission is to provide exceptional healthcare close to home and they continue to do just that with promoting annual screens and check-ups for women during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Any female that completes or schedules their annual check-up in the month of January will receive a special gift! Call Putnam Women’s Health today to schedule your appointment. 765-301-7440. Let them know that you would like to be part of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month promotion and they will get you scheduled.

“It is extremely important to Putnam County Hospital to keep our residents educated on prevention and a healthy way of living. This is another example of how we are helping to promote a healthier community,” said Director of Marketing and Commuinty Relations, Brooke Trissel.

Putnam County Hospital; providing exceptional healthcare close to home.