Cervical Health Awareness Month
Women Urged to Take Action and Protect Themselves in New Year

Monroe, WA – Approximately 10,000 American women will learn they have cervical cancer/HPV this year, and nearly 4,000 will die from an advanced form of the disease.

This January, during Cervical Health Awareness Month, Valley General Hospital would like to educate women about the importance of the Pap test as a screening tool for cervical cancer/HPV and about a vaccine that can further reduce the burden of this devastating disease.

It’s the start of a new year – a time many reflect on their health. To start the year right, we encourage women to contact their health care provider to schedule a Pap test to check for cervical cancer.

This screening is a crucial part of women’s health care regimen, yet one that many overlook, “Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, as long as it is detected early enough,” states William Thot, MD, Monroe Women’s Care. “Women should see their physician or primary care provider for an annual gynecologic exam.”

Take charge – Unless your physician instructs you otherwise, it is important for women to have an annual gynecologic. This gives you the best chance to stay healthy and prevent serious problems.

For a physician referral, please call Valley General Hospital’s physician referral line at 360-794-1411.