As a parent, you might spend most of your time caring for your child. You make sure they eat healthy meals, go to the doctor for checkups, and stay safe. But when was the last time you took care of your own health? January is a new year and also Cervical Cancer Awareness Month—a perfect time to evaluate if your health goals are on track and if your screenings are up to date.
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your family. When you’re healthy, you can be there for your children in all the ways they need you.
Cervical cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The good news is that cervical cancer is mostly preventable with regular screening tests.
Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infections with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, also called HPV. HPV is a common infection that’s passed through sexual contact. For most people, the virus never causes problems. It usually goes away on its own. For some, though, the virus can cause changes in the cells, which can lead to cancer.
Screening tests can detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment works better. Even before cancer develops, screening can detect changes in cells that could become cancer. These changes can be treated before they turn into cancer.
When cervical cancer starts, it might not cause symptoms. That’s why regular screening is so important—it can find problems before you feel sick. As cervical cancer grows, it might cause signs like vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause. Other signs include menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual, watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a bad odor, or pelvic pain.
If you have any symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional.
There are two main types of screening tests for cervical cancer:
Pap Test (Pap Smear): This test can detect cells that might show that cancer is present. During a Pap test, a health care provider collects cells from the cervix to be tested in a lab. The process is not painful but can be mildly uncomfortable.
HPV Test: This test can detect an infection with high-risk HPV. HPV tests look at the cells to find HPV, which can lead to changes that might become cancer.
All women, and especially expecting and new moms, need to take care of themselves physically by seeing Obstetricians and Gynecologists (also called OB/GYNs) regularly. They are the doctors who provide care specifically for women.
Women should start getting Pap tests every three years, beginning at age 21. From age 30 to 65, you have three options: the Pap test alone every three years, a high-risk HPV test alone every five years, or both tests together (called "cotesting") every five years. Testing isn’t recommended for most women over 65.
It can feel impossible to find time for yourself when you’re busy caring for young children. Here are some ways to help make your health a priority:
Schedule appointments like any other important task. Put your health appointments on the calendar just like you would your child’s wellness check appointments. Treat them as must-do activities, not optional ones.
Ask for help. Reach out to your partner, a family member, or a trusted friend to watch your children while you go to appointments. You might find that many people are happy to help—they just need to be asked.
Bring your children if needed. Some health centers have child-friendly waiting areas. Call ahead to ask about their setup. You can also bring activities to keep your child busy during the wait.
Use childcare resources. If you don’t have family nearby, look into affordable childcare options in your community. Some clinics even offer childcare during appointments.
Most importantly, remember why it matters. It might seem like going to appointments is taking time away from your children, but that’s only for a short while. Taking care of your health means you can be there for your child for many years to come. Finding time won’t always be easy, but even small steps toward prioritizing your health can make a big difference for you and your family.
Beyond regular screening, there are other ways to reduce your risk of cervical cancer:
Get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine currently used in the United States, Gardasil 9, can protect against nine of the 12 high-risk HPV strains. The vaccine is approved for people ages 9 to 45. Ask your health care provider if an HPV vaccine is right for you.
Practice safe sex. Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking steps to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners can help protect you.
Don’t smoke. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer. When HPV infections happen in people who smoke, the infections tend to last longer and are less likely to go away. If you do smoke and are thinking about quitting, talk to a health care professional about ways to do that, or check out kickitca.org.
Combining regular screenings with these prevention strategies gives you the best protection against cervical cancer.
California offers many options for free or low-cost health coverage.
Medi-Cal: Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to families and individuals with low incomes and pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults. If you’re already enrolled in CalFresh, you also qualify for Medi-Cal. You can apply for Medi-Cal by mail, in person, or online.
Covered California: Covered California offers private health insurance at a reduced cost if you do not qualify for Medi-Cal. You can apply for both programs on the Covered California website. For help with buying private health insurance or enrolling in Medi-Cal, you can call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506.
Community Clinics: Community health clinics offer low-cost health care. Services may include family planning, prenatal care, vaccines, dental care, mental health care, and testing and treatment for many diseases. Check with your county's health or social services department to find a community clinic. You can also contact California Health+, a network of community health centers, at 1-855-899-7587.
Family PACT: Family PACT provides referrals for family planning services, which can include cervical cancer screening. Call 1-800-942-1054 for help.
Know your rights. You have a right to choose your doctor and to change doctors. You have a right to get a second opinion about a serious condition or a major treatment. You have a right to see your medical records and get copies of them. If English is not your first language, ask for doctors or office staff who speak your language, or ask for a certified interpreter.
For additional women’s health resources, visit our Help Page here. For additional first-time parent/caregiver support, visit here.
From the moment you become a parent, the focus often shifts to your baby. But as a parent, your health is very important too. In fact, it is critical to your child’s future. Finding the right medical care, mental health support, and family support system are key. Whether you're pregnant, thinking about having a baby, or already have children, be sure to make your own health a priority too.
Don’t wait to schedule your cervical cancer screening. If you’re due for a screening or have never had one, call your doctor today. If you don’t have a doctor, use the resources listed above to find affordable care in your community.
Remember: Your children need you to be healthy and strong. Making time for preventive screenings like Pap tests is one of the best ways to protect yourself and ensure you’ll be there for all of your children’s important moments—from first steps to first days of school and beyond.
