Wright Center: January Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The Wright Center is deeply committed to expanding awareness of their women’s health services, particularly in response to the complex and evolving challenges faced by female patients.

One critical area of focus is cervical health. January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer and emphasizing the importance of early detection through routine screenings.

Each year, more than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die from the disease, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC). Encouragingly, significant progress has been made in recent years, including advances in screening and treatment and the widespread availability of the HPV vaccine. As a result, cervical cancer is now considered the most preventable of all female cancers, and the World Health Organization estimates it could become the first cancer to be eliminated altogether.

Cervical cancer most often develops during midlife and is commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44. It is rare in women younger than 20, and more than 15% of cases occur in women older than 65 – typically among those who have not received regular screenings.

Prevention begins early with HPV vaccination. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, affects more than 40 million people in the United States, most of them adolescents and young adults. HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine protects against high-risk strains linked to cervical cancer, as well as low-risk strains that cause genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls at ages 11 or 12, when the immune response is strongest. Two doses are required for those vaccinated before age 15; individuals 15 and older need a three-dose series.

Routine screening remains a cornerstone of early detection. Women ages 21 to 29 should receive a Pap smear every three years to identify cancer or precancerous cell changes. Women ages 30 to 65 should undergo cervical cancer screening every five years.

Women’s health is a year-round priority at The Wright Center, with comprehensive services designed to support women in maintaining their health while balancing the demands of daily life.

These services include cervical cancer screenings, Pap smears, and HPV testing, routine gynecological care, pelvic and breast exams, well-women visits, bone density testing, age-appropriate immunizations, STI testing and treatment, and hormonal testing.

The Wright Center accepts all insurances, including Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and most private plans. For uninsured patients, their enrollment assisters provide guidance on coverage options and enrollment, and their sliding-fee discount program ensures high-quality, affordable care for all.

During Cervical Health Awareness Month, all women are encouraged to take time to prioritize their health and well-being – this month and throughout the year.

Amatus Legbedion, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician. She completed her residency training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Program, serving as chief resident. She is accepting patients of all ages at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre. Visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-491-0126 to make an appointment.