WEST CENTRAL, FLA – Each year, more than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and your West Central Florida County Health Departments serving Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties want you to know that this disease is preventable and treatable if caught early.

Cancer of the cervix, the narrow opening at the end of the uterus, can be treated if detected early. However, for women ages 50-64 who are uninsured or underinsured, getting the testing they need to detect the early stages of the disease can be unaffordable. The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP) offers vouchers for these tests to provide critical and often life-saving services. Call your local health department office or visit our webpage to get information about how to receive vouchers for these tests.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus which can spread easily. Vaccines which can help prevent HPV are available at your doctors’ office or at your local health department.

For more information about BCCEDP or getting an HPV vaccine, call your local health department office at:

DOH Citrus - (352) 527-0068
DOH Hernando - (352) 540-6800
DOH Highlands - (863) 386-6040
DOH Hillsborough - (813) 307-8000
DOH Manatee - (941) 748-0747
DOH Pasco - (727) 619-0300
DOH Pinellas - (727) 824-6900
DOH Polk - (863) 519-7900
DOH Sarasota - (941) 861-2900

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DOH-Hillsborough works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @DOHHillsborough and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.