Local students are on a mission to wipe out cervical cancer—what to know now + how to help

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When college students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and high school students in Chambers County learned that there is a cancer that can be eliminated, they were inspired.

Now, they’re leading the movement to end cervical cancer. And YOU can help, too!

Wipe out cervical cancer: Get the HPV vaccine

The main cause of cervical cancer is infection by a virus: Human Papillomavirus or HPV. Most sexually active people have been exposed to this virus at some point in their lives, though the virus typically goes away on its own. However, if the infection persists over time, it can lead to pre-cancer and cervical cancer.

According to the CDC, cervical cancer mortality rates are almost 50% higher in Alabama compared to the rest of the country. The good news? We have weapons in the fight against cervical cancer, and there are a lot of students, academics, health care professionals and concerned citizens working on the front lines of the battle.

With the scientific discovery that cervical cancer is caused by a virus, a vaccine was developed to prevent infection by the HPV virus. This vaccine prevents cervical cancer and other HPV-associated cancers in men and women.

The vaccine is most effective before people are exposed to the virus, and is recommended for boys and girls starting as early as age 9 to adults 26 years of age. 

Wipe out cervical cancer: Why screening and follow-up matters

Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65. Fortunately, we now have more powerful screening methods, and women should get screened only every three years.

Any abnormal screenings require follow-up with your health care provider. The recommendation may be as simple as more frequent visits or removal of pre-cancerous cells.

“I have dedicated my career to cervical cancer research. Every type of cancer is different, and this is the only one that can be truly eliminated.

But knowing this is not enough. We need to get the word out that the preventive vaccine and screening make it possible for the world to be free of this devastating disease.”

_{Dr. Isabel Scarinci, Vice-Chair for Global and Rural Health in the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.}

The most powerful thing you can do to wipe out cervical cancer? Help spread the word!

Alabama is the first and only state in the United States with a plan to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Thanks to a joint partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Rotary Club of Birmingham, the Alabama Department of Public Health and other partners, OPERATION WIPE OUT comprises a devoted group of Alabamians working together to educate, screen and prevent cervical cancer.

But they can’t do it alone. Here’s how they and others are working to spread the word:

High school students in Chambers County have organized a powerful campaign to educate their peers and community on cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccination, screening and follow-up. They developed a creative way to educate junior high students through a fun activity book, available at www.OPERATIONWIPEOUT.org.

“OPERATION WIPE OUT showed me that even small actions can make a big difference in creating a healthier community. I learned that by educating and supporting each other, we can work together to make real changes. This experience helped me see the power of taking small steps toward better health. Positive change begins with awareness.”

_{Mady Turnham, Senior, Valley High School}

UAB’s Peer Wellness Ambassadors, a group of undergraduate students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, established OPERATION WIPE OUT UAB, and they are engaging their peers in this movement with the goal of UAB being the first university to be cervical cancer-free. 

“When we first came together, I was bursting with ideas for advertisement, social marketing and general outreach to the undergraduate community. I want to help my peers reach for their greatest potential and spread awareness on how to maintain their health and well-being. Seeing others be so touched and appreciative of OPERATION WIPE OUT’s efforts while I have worked with them has been nothing short of rewarding.”

_{Akenna Mcmillian, UAB undergraduate student and Peer Wellness Ambassador}

What you can do to help wipe out cervical cancer:

• If you’re a parent: Help children and young adults aged 9-26 obtain the vaccine, make sure they’re regularly screened via annual checkups and follow up on any abnormal results.
• If you’re a concerned citizen: Get annual screenings between the ages of 21- 65. Your insurance should cover them; those without can access via The Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
• Stay in the loop: Like, follow and subscribe to OPERATION WIPE OUT’s social media channels for the latest news via their Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

BONUS: There’s a game night at Birmingham’s Cahaba Brewing Company to raise money for OPERATION WIPE OUT.

• When: Wednesday, May 14 | 7-9PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

Together with OPERATION WIPE OUT, we can educate, vaccinate, treat—and, most important—eliminate cervical cancer among Alabamians. Learn more.

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