January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

The Taney County Health Department releases information about an awareness month and services available for women.

The Press Release from TCHD is below:

Since 2010, the month of January has been designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month by the United States Congress. According to the American Cancer Society, over 14,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, a cancer that can be prevented with routine screenings and vaccination. 

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV and some of these can cause changes in a woman’s cervix that if left undetected, can lead to cervical cancer.
“Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.” states Erica Craig Public Health Nurse Coordinator at the Taney County Health Department, “Through routine Pap tests and HPV testing, Cervical Cancer can be detected early and treated.” 

The Taney County Health Department offers the Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW) program to women who live in Missouri and meet certain guidelines. The SMHW program promotes early detection and screening services for women ages 40-64. SMHW provides clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap tests for eligible women who participate in the program as well as diagnostic testing for women whose screening outcome is abnormal. 

A monthly Women’s Wellness Clinic is available for women ages 21-39. This clinic offers women the chance to meet with a licensed medical doctor or nurse to discuss family planning information. 

To make an appointment or for more information on the SMHW program or the Family Planning Clinic, please call 417-334-4544 ext 301.