January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and it's a good time to be reminded that cervical cancer is a preventable disease for women who have routine screenings and receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
In Illinois, 60% of females and 55% of males ages 13 to 17 years old have received both recommended two-dose series of the HPV vaccine. Although the Illinois numbers are better than nationwide statistics, they fall short of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 goal of 80% vaccination.
"If you haven't talked with your health care provider about these screenings, call and schedule your appointment today," Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Derek Robinson says in this video.