Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Statistical Snapshot:

• Cervical cancer ranks as the 7th most common cancer among women in East Baton Rouge Parish (Source: The City Key).
• This highlights the pressing need for heightened awareness, education, and preventive measures.

Identifying Risk Factors:

• Key risk factors include HPV infection (human papillomavirus), smoking, HIV infection, a weak immune system, a family history of cervical cancer, and early sexual activity.
• Recognizing these factors empowers individuals to proactively manage their risk through lifestyle changes and regular screenings.

Screening Reality:

• Limited data on screening rates in East Baton Rouge Parish reveals that only 6.2% of adults received cancer screening in the past year (Source: The City Key).
• Clarity is essential to determine if this specifically refers to cervical cancer screening, emphasizing the critical need for improved access to screenings and education.

Barriers to Screening:

‍Significant obstacles such as lack of access to healthcare, absence of insurance coverage, fear of pain or embarrassment, and misinformation about cervical cancer and screening hinder timely screenings.

‍Southeast Community Health Systems is dedicated to dismantling these barriers, ensuring that every individual possesses the resources and knowledge to prioritize their cervical health.‍

‍Take Action Today: Schedule with Southeast!

‍Southeast Community Health Systems urges everyone in East Baton Rouge Parish and beyond to take charge of their cervical health.Schedule your cervical cancer screening with Southeast today, where dedicated healthcare professionals stand ready to provide compassionate care.

Convenient locations make prioritizing your well-being easier than ever.Visit www.shchc.org/locations to find the nearest Southeast Community Health Systems location and schedule your screening.