Jackson — January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Mississippi State Department of Health is highlighting the disease’s causes and the importance of early detection to save lives.

Cervical cancer is preventable but often goes undetected until symptoms arise as the cancer spreads. There are about 11,500 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States, and about 4,000 women die of the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black women are 30% more likely to die of the disease than other women.

“Cervical cancer is often silent, which is why screening and early detection is key,” said AnnaLyn Whitt, director of Health Services. “MSDH seeks to advance health and protect all Mississippians by filling in gaps and offering screenings statewide.”

The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease that can be prevented with a vaccination as early as the teen years.

You can lower your risk of developing cervical cancer by following good health guidelines:

— Don’t smoke.

— Always use a condom during sex.

— Delay the start of sexual activity until you are older.

— Have fewer sexual partners.

— Be screened regularly for cervical cancer.

— Be vaccinated against HPV, the virus that causes most cervical cancer.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer program offers free screenings for women without insurance and the underinsured. 

“We aim to improve access to screening and detecting cancers when they are most treatable,” said Director Amy Gibbons.

Learn more about the Cervical Cancer program and screening on the MSDH website at msdh.ms.gov/cervical.