La Salle County Health Department encourages cervical cancer screenings

The La Salle County Health Department is urging residents to “Sock it to Cancer” on Jan. 17, in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Sock it to Cancer is a day where people can wear and show off their teal socks to support Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

The health department encourages women older than 21 to be screened for cervical cancer. The goal is to eradicate cervical cancer in Illinois by women taking charge and getting screened. During 2022 an estimated 14,100 women in the United States were diagnosed with cervical cancer, according to the state of Illinois. Cervical cancer, when caught early, is nearly 100% curable.

The American Cancer Society reports between 60% and 80% of American women with newly-diagnosed invasive cervical cancer have not had a Pap Smear in the last five years and/or may have never had one. Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early.

In addition to increasing awareness of cervical cancer there are some preventative steps women can take. Studies have shown, regular exercise, a healthy diet, routine screenings and getting the cervical cancer vaccine to help prevent Human Papilloma Virus, decreases the risk for cervical cancer. Licensed HPV vaccines for women and men are available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 11 or 12 year old girls and boys begin the HPV vaccine series. Vaccination can be started at age 9. The vaccination series must be completed by age 45. HPV vaccination is offered at La Salle County Health Department, 717 E. Etna Road, Ottawa, by appointment and those who are interested in vaccination or want more information can call the health department.

The La Salle County Health Department has an Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program available, which can pay for Pap Smear tests for La Salle or Grundy counties women, ages 21-64 who have no insurance or who have high deductibles regardless of income. The health department encourages anyone who needs more information on cervical cancer and the importance of Pap Smear tests, the IBCCP program, or the cervical cancer vaccines to contact the Health Department at 815-433-3366 or visit www.lasallecountyil.gov