Here’s How HPV Vaccination Prevents Cervical Cancer – Did you know that HPV causes almost all forms of cervical cancer? There’s a reason that HPV vaccination is helping to prevent cancer… Learn more about it right here on Newsymom!

This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.

For those who don’t know, Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly transmitted sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It’s also responsible for causing almost all cervical cancers in women! (7 Facts About HPV & Cervical Cancer, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)

January is a cause of celebration for health in the new year, starting with a reminder to learn about Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and take action in prevention!

How Does HPV Cause Cervical Cancer?

Let’s back it up a little to explain:

For normal human cells, our DNA plays a critical role in development. The DNA of our cells, or genes, have control over what happens for our cells to grow, divide, and die:

• Oncogenes are the genes that help cells grow, divide, and stay alive.
• Tumor suppressor genes are genes that help keep cell growth under control or make cells die at the right time.

Cancers are caused by gene mutations, or defects, that turn on the oncogenes or off the tumor suppressor genes!

So, how does HPV cause cervical cancer?

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) have two proteins, E6 and E7, which turn off some tumor suppressor genes, such as p53 and Rb. This allows the cells lining the cervix to grow too much and to develop changes in additional genes, which can lead to cancer.

(What Causes Cervical Cancer?, Cancer.org)

Getting Vaccinated For HPV = Cancer Prevention

This is why getting vaccinated to prevent contraction of HPV is cancer prevention! Lower your risk for HPV (and cervical cancer) by getting your vaccination today.

The Tuscarawas County Health Department has everything you need to check your reproductive health including screenings, vaccinations, and check-ups! Call them at (330) 343-5555 x. 1810 or 1740 to schedule your women’s health or reproductive health appointment!

Their women’s health services are available to all and covered by most insurances, such as Medicare and Medicaid! Don’t have insurance? No problem! They’ve got discounted options for eligible households based on income.

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There’s no excuse for you not to check in on your reproductive health.

The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants you to lower your risk for cervical cancer! Call them at (330) 343-5555 x. 1810 or 1740 to get your reproductive health checked out! You can also visit them at www.tchdnow.org to see what other services they offer you and your family. (Trust us, there are lots of ways they keep your family healthy!)

Make sure to follow along on Facebook (@tchdnow) for the latest news and safety tips to keep your reproductive health cancer-free!

Melissa Klatt

Reporting