By Burlington Tifa

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and EMU Health of Glendale is working to insure that those who may be susceptible know the preventative measures that can be taken. 

Cervical cancer has become increasingly preventable through vaccinations for the human papillomavirus (HPV) and screening tests for HPV and pap smears.

Yet, there is still increased awareness and action needed to fight this very common virus. 

In fact, 45 percent of men ages 18 to 59, and 40 percent of women ages 18 to 59 are infected with HPV – some 79 million Americans.  

“About 70% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV but the majority of those infected won’t develop cancer,” says Dr. Zoya Gavrilman, an obstetrician and gynecologist at EMU Health in Glendale,Queens. 

When you schedule your pap smear at EMU Health, your gynecologist will take a sample of your cervical cells to facilitate the screening. Testing for HPV doesn’t require a separate appointment. 

Vaccination, regular women’s health screenings, quitting smoking and practicing safe sex are among the preventative measures that can be taken against HPV.  

To schedule your appointment with Dr. Gavrilman, or any of the other practices based out of EMU Health, call (929) 264-7733 or visit emuhealth.com.