teal cancer ribbon with text, "A world without cervical cancer is possible"
January is Cervical Health Month
El Dorado Springs, MO (January 20, 2026) — January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and Cedar County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) wishes to remind everyone that cervical cancer is largely preventable with vaccination and regular screening. Each year in the U.S. more than 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 4,300 will die as a result. In both the U.S. and abroad, cervical cancer is most often found in women living in poverty who lack access to healthcare.
Cervical cancer is linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a name given to a group of viruses that infect the skin. HPV is so common that almost everyone who is sexually active will have HPV at some point. Most HPV infections are harmless and clear on their own without causing any health problems. Sometimes though, HPV infections don't clear and cause changes on the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer if not found and treated.
"Screening can prevent cervical cancer," says Tedi Payne, Family Nurse Practitioner at CCMH Medical Mall Clinic. "Regular screening tests, including Pap and HPV tests, can help find problems early and prevent cancer from developing."
A Pap test can find abnormal cell changes on the cervix before they turn into cancer, which can then be treated. An HPV test can identify the presence of types of HPV that have a higher risk of leading to cancer. Individuals should contact their primary care provider to schedule screening. At CCMH Medical Mall Clinic, Pap and HPV tests are available for cervical cancer screening.
"We recommend women start cervical cancer screening with a Pap test at age 21," adds Payne. "And at age 30, we can begin to also screen with an HPV test." Women ages 21-29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. Women ages 30-65 can choose to have a Pap test every 3 years, an HPV test every 5 years, or both tests together every 5 years.
Prevention Through Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is a success story. It protects against the types of HPV that cause about 90% of cervical cancers. Rates of infection with these cancer-causing strains have been significantly reduced in the U.S. since the HPV vaccine was introduced, dropping 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women.
According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, the recommended age for HPV vaccine is 11-12 for both girls and boys but can start as early as age 9. The vaccine is shown to produce a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years and fewer shots are required. The vaccine is designed to prevent infection, so vaccination is recommended at a young age, before kids are exposed to the virus. The HPV vaccine is approved for individuals up to age 45, though it is most effective when given before exposure to HPV.
To schedule a cervical cancer screening, call the CCMH Medical Mall Clinic at 417-876-3333. HPV vaccinations are available at the Cedar County Health Department.
About Cedar County Memorial Hospital
Cedar County Memorial Hospital, located in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, has been serving Cedar County and the surrounding communities since 1960. With 10 acute care beds and a dedicated team of more than 130 healthcare professionals, the hospital provides a full range of services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced diagnostic imaging (CT and MRI), clinical laboratory testing, surgical procedures, physical and occupational therapy, and swing bed services. Cedar County Memorial Hospital is committed to delivering innovative, patient-centered care and using best practices to promote health and enhance the quality of life for its Friends, Family & Neighbors.Media Contact:
Natalie EberhardMarketing Specialist
CCMH Marketing Dept
417.876.3745