{"id":10530,"date":"2026-01-13T20:59:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T20:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=10530"},"modified":"2026-01-13T21:05:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T21:05:12","slug":"cervical-health-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/cervical-health-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Cervical Health Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cervical-health-656832386-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10534 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cervical-health-656832386-1-238x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cervical-health-656832386-1-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cervical-health-656832386-1-811x1024.jpg 811w, https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cervical-health-656832386-1-768x969.jpg 768w, https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cervical-health-656832386-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px\" \/><\/a>January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of cervical cancer\u2019s causes and how screening and vaccination can help prevent the disease.<\/p>\n<p>The National Cancer Institute estimated that over 108,000 women will be diagnosed with some form of gynecological cancer this year alone.<\/p>\n<p>Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that is spread through sexual contact. The body\u2019s immune system typically prevents the virus from causing harm. However, for a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years. This delay can cause cervical cells to become cancer cells.<\/p>\n<p>Gynecological cancer symptoms can vary, making them difficult to recognize and distinguish. Some general gynecological cancer symptoms include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pelvic pain<\/li>\n<li>Abnormal bleeding<\/li>\n<li>Abdominal bloating<\/li>\n<li>Changes in your menstrual cycle<\/li>\n<li>Pain during intercourse<\/li>\n<li>Changes in vaginal appearance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Even if you don\u2019t have symptoms, it is important to continue to have regular wellness exams and screenings to maintain good gynecological health.<\/p>\n<p>Attending regular screenings with your primary care provider or gynecologist and receiving an HPV vaccination are two of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Regular Pap and HPV tests can detect early changes in cervical cells, which allows for intervention before cancer develops. It is recommended that women aged 21-29 have a Pap test every 3 years. Women 30 years old and up are advised to have a Pap test and an HPV test every five years. If you are 65 or older, the screenings will likely stop if you are considered low-risk.<\/p>\n<p>The ideal age for vaccination is before a person is sexually active because once a person is infected with HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective.<\/p>\n<p>All women face some risk of developing gynecologic cancer; however, certain factors can exacerbate the likelihood, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Age<\/li>\n<li>Family history<\/li>\n<li>Obesity<\/li>\n<li>Smoking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Understanding individual risk factors is essential in reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer, but recognizing early warning signs is just as important.<\/p>\n<p>At Flushing Hospital Medical Center&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/obstetrics-gynecology\/\">Women&#8217;s Health Department<\/a>, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly serve women from all walks of life and provide a warm, welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB\/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at <a href=\"tel:+7186705562\">(718) 670-5562.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<section id=\"bt_bb_section696681e5140e6\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top inner-content bt-women-health-section bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_animation_no_animation\" data-bb-version=\"5.2.5\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_port\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_cell\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_row section-content bt_bb_animation_no_animation\" data-bb-version=\"5.2.5\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\" data-structure=\"12\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" data-bb-version=\"5.2.5\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_animation_no_animation\" data-bb-version=\"5.2.5\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"bt_bb_section696681e5146b9\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top inner-content bt-women-health-section bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_animation_no_animation\" data-bb-version=\"5.2.5\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_port\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_cell\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_row section-content bt_bb_animation_no_animation\" data-bb-version=\"5.2.5\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\" data-structure=\"12\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" data-bb-version=\"5.2.5\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\">\n<div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page.   You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter.<strong>  PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of cervical cancer\u2019s causes and how screening and vaccination can help prevent the disease. The National Cancer Institute estimated that over 108,000 women will be diagnosed with &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/cervical-health-awareness-month\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10530"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10530\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10535,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10530\/revisions\/10535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}