January marks National Cervical Health Awareness and Cervical Cancer Prevention Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting the importance of screening and vaccination. The National Cancer Institute estimates over 13,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025, with many cases occurring among those rarely or never screened. Local healthcare providers urge women to schedule regular exams, including Pap smears and HPV vaccinations. Most cases develop in women under 50 years old and are rare in women under 20 years old. Early detection is crucial—cervical cancer is nearly 100% curable if caught early. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 9 to 18. Anyone interested in learning more about available programs or wishing to schedule an appointment can reach the Kewanee office at (309) 852-5272 or the Toulon office at 309-852-3115. Additional resources and updates are also available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com, as well as on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
