January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It aims to raise awareness of the causes of cervical cancer and how screening and vaccination can help prevent the disease. To get involved, people can set up fundraisers, donate, or use the #CervicalHealthMonth hashtag.

Cervical cancer begins when cancerous cells form in the lining of the cervix. Without treatment, cervical cancer can spread to surrounding areas in the pelvis or other body parts.

Anyone with a cervix can develop cervical cancer, which kills more than 4,000 females in the United States annually. Of all cervical cancers, 93% are preventable with screening and vaccination against HPV infection.

This article discusses the importance of Cervical Cancer Awareness (CCA) Month and how a person can get involved. It also explains awareness ribbons and the support available to people with cervical cancer.

Learn more about cervical cancer.

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The purpose of CCA Month is to increase public awareness and understanding of cervical cancer, its causes, and the importance of early detection and HPV vaccination.

Each year in January, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) work with local chapters to educate people and raise awareness about cervical health.

By understanding the causes and risk factors, people can take steps to lower their risk of developing cervical cancer. They can also learn how to recognize the symptoms and seek support.

Awareness months are also a good opportunity for people affected by cervical cancer to share information and resources with friends and family. People may cope better with the disease if the public and close community around them understand the condition.

People can support CCA Month by pinning a teal and white ribbon to their clothing. Wearing a ribbon shows support for people with cervical cancer and may help raise the profile of the disease.

People can contribute and help raise awareness by:

  • Getting media coverage: People may wish to contact local media with the ASHA/NCCC press release. They can also tell their stories and share prewritten NCCC messages on social media using the hashtag #CervicalHealthMonth.
  • Distributing resources: Distributing and sharing resources can help inform people about cervical cancer. The NCCC offers resources to download and share, such as an e-book, posters, and podcasts. Government organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have valuable information about cervical cancer prevention and early detection.
  • Hosting an event: Hosting an event in the local community can raise funds for cervical cancer research and encourage meaningful conversations about the disease.

Cervical cancer facts

The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides the following cervical cancer facts:

  • Prevalence: During 2023, doctors will make around 13,960 new diagnoses of invasive cervical cancer. The average age at diagnosis is 50 years, and more than 20% of cases of cervical cancer are in females over 65 years.
  • Mortality rates and outlook: In 2023, around 4,310 females will die from the disease. The overall 5-year relative survival rate for people diagnosed with cervical cancer is 67.2%. This means that a person with the condition is 67.2% as likely to live for 5 years as someone without the condition.

Learn more about cervical cancer screening.

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Cervical cancer affects people in many ways. The following support services provide help and support:

  • The NCCC Support Community: This community connects people affected by cervical cancer. It allows people to ask questions, help others, and receive support from individuals who have lived similar experiences.
  • The ACS: The ACS provides various support options, such as a 24-7 helpline, information about finding lodging during treatment, or transport to treatment centers.

January is CCA Month, represented by a teal and white ribbon. It aims to promote awareness and increase understanding of cervical cancer.

People can get involved by sharing information on social media, hosting community fundraising events, and asking local media to promote awareness.

Information about CCA Month and support for those affected by cervical cancer is available online.