Cervical Health Awareness Month – January 2025

History of Cervical Health Awareness Month

The United States Congress created the Cervical Health Awareness Month, and it’s observed throughout the U.S. in January. It is estimated that over 13,000 females suffer from cervical cancer in the U.S. each year. Fortunately, cervical cancer can be easily prevented through vaccination and early detection. Throughout January, various events are hosted by healthcare providers around the country to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the Human Papillomavirus (H.P.V.). During the 1800s in western Europe, cervical cancer was one of the most common forms of malignant tumor found in women. It was one of the leading causes of cancer death for women in European countries. Since 1950, efforts have been made to control the disease through early screening and treatment.

In the mid-1940s, Dr. Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou’s ‘Pap smear’ cancer screening method was practiced in the U.S. Later, the test became equally popular in the U.K., and a special program for early cervical cancer detection and screening was introduced in 1988. In the late 1970s, screeners were also able to detect H.P.V.16 in patients with cervical cancers. And through continuous research and development, effective vaccines were developed and licensed to prevent major types of H.P.V., including types 16 and 18 that are known to cause cervical cancer. Although H.P.V. vaccination prevents new H.P.V. infections, it does not treat existing ones. These vaccines are most effective when taken before exposure to H.P.V; therefore, regular screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. And the main idea behind Cervical Health Awareness month is to raise awareness in the community about the benefits of early detection when there are no symptoms of the disease.