By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
In 2020, more than 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States. More than 4,000 women died of cervical cancer. The even greater tragedy is cervical cancer is preventable. January was Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and Lindsey Ensley, RN at the Barton County Health Department, said there are plenty of local options available to keep cervical cancer in check.
"We have a family planning program at the Barton County Health Department where we have providers come in," she said. "We schedule appointments. Women get can their pap smears, breast exam, pelvic exams, write orders for mammograms, and order birth control and other things like that."
Pap smears are the primary way to screen for cervical cancer. Those can be done by local providers, OB/GYNs, or at the Barton County Health Department. The primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease. Ensley said there are ways to minimize risks from HPV.
"It's extremely common," she said. "A lot of people have it. Some don't even know they have it. Some forms of that virus can cause cervical cancer. Prevention is a great thing and we have a great way to prevent the HPV virus, which is a vaccine."
The vaccine can be given to young women as young as 11 years of age. No boosters are required, and those 16 and under who receive a first dose require just one additional dose to be fully vaccinated. Those with a first dose after the age of 16 require two additional doses. Ensley said both males and females should get vaccinated for HPV.
There are additional ways to reduce cervical cancer risks, including regular screenings and following up on any doctor's advice from those screenings. Tobacco cessation is another way to reduce risks.
For more information about the services offered by the Barton County Health Department, call (620) 793-1902.