TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Hawaii  –   January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in the United States. This month is dedicated to educating individuals about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early detection.

According to the American Cancer Society, doctors made around 13,960 new diagnoses of invasive cervical cancer nationwide in 2023. The average age of cervical diagnosis is 50 years old, and more than 20 percent of cervical cancer cases are in females over age 65.

There are steps that patients can take to help lower their risk of developing cervical cancer, said Lt. Col. David Anderson. Anderson works as a gynecologic oncologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system, at Tripler Army Medical Center.

“Cervical cancer is not only treatable but preventable,” Anderson said. “Routine Pap smears, regular checkups with your [primary care manager], and ensuring you have gotten the [HPV vaccine] will lower your risk of developing cervical cancer, along with healthy lifestyle choices like quitting smoking and safe sex practices.”

Cervical cancer screening consists of assessing patients who are at the most significant risk for cancer or precancerous lesions. Efforts during National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month emphasize the importance of the HPV vaccine for adolescents and young adults, as well as the role of regular screenings in promoting long term health.

Anderson advises annual well woman exams, and Pap smears as recommended by your PCM in addition to the HPV vaccine. Patients should also notify their provider if they notice a significant change in their menstrual cycle. While irregular bleeding may not be a symptom specific to cervical cancer, it is associated with the diagnosis.

National Cervical Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that prevention is powerful and lifesaving.

To schedule a well woman exam, contact your PCM via the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal (my.mhsgenesis.health.mil) or via the Central Appointment Line (888-683-2778, Oahu Military Treatment Facilities only).

PCMs will refer patients to the TAMC OB/GYN Clinic as necessary for additional cervical cancer screening. Currently, the clinic does not offer walk-in services.

For more information on well woman exams for women’s health services at TAMC, visit https://tripler.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Womens-Health-Pregnancy.

Tripler Army Medical Center, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, supports 264,000 active duty and retired military personnel, their families, and veteran beneficiaries. In addition, the referral population includes 171,000 military personnel, family members, veteran beneficiaries, residents of nine U.S. affiliated jurisdictions and forward-deployed forces in more than 40 countries throughout the Pacific.