Siouxland District Health Dept, IA
Home Menu🌼 January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Cervical cancer often develops without early symptoms, but there are powerful ways to protect yourself. Regular screenings and the HPV vaccine are two of the most effective tools for prevention.
đź’‰ HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. At Siouxland District Health, we offer the HPV vaccine through the Vaccines for Children program. Children age 9 and older may qualify for free or reduced‑cost vaccination.
If you do not qualify for this program, please speak with your primary care provider or family doctor about receiving the vaccine. More information is available from the CDC: : HPV Vaccination Recommendations | CDC
đź©ş Screening & Early Detection
Routine cervical cancer screening can detect changes early, when treatment is most effective. Screening typically includes Pap tests and HPV testing, usually periodically performed during a well‑woman exam.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently updated national screening guidelines to help increase access. A key update includes the option for self‑collection for HPV testing for women at average risk, making screening more accessible and flexible. This type of testing is covered by most private insurance companies.
🤝 Assistance for Those Without Insurance
If you are uninsured and meet income guidelines, Iowa’s Care for Yourself program may be able to help cover cervical cancer screening. Siouxland District Health participates in this program. Learn more here: Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings
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January is National Radon Action Month - Have You Tested Your Home for Radon?
You can't see, smell, or taste radon, but it may be present in your home. Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can build up in homes and other buildings to dangerous levels. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, and the second leading cause for smokers. In fact, smokers that also are exposed to elevated levels of radon have a ten times higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Unfortunately, the state of Iowa has some of the highest radon levels in the nation. The only way to know if there are elevated levels of radon in your home is to test for it, and during Radon Action Month, Siouxland District Health encourages residents to test for radon, and take steps to fix any issues to help decrease the risk of lung cancer.
You can pick up a test at our office at 1014 Nebraska Street for just $8.00, which includes the test, postage, lab analysis, and a report of the results. You may also be able to receive a free test kit from the state of Iowa by visiting this website or calling the radon hotline at 1-800-383-5992 to order by phone (while supplies last).