January is Cervical Health Awareness Month: A Simple Reminder

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and I want to share a simple reminder: cervical cancer is one of the more preventable cancers because we can often catch changes early, before they become cancer.

That is what a Pap test (Pap smear) and HPV test are for.

• A Pap test checks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix.
• An HPV test checks for the virus that causes most cervical cancers.

Most early changes do not cause symptoms. That is why screening matters. We are not waiting for something to feel wrong. We are staying ahead of it.

Why You’ll See This at a Family Medicine Clinic

“In rural medicine, we do a little bit of everything, and women’s health is a big part of caring for our community.”
Dr. Logan Shetlar

I’m not an OB-GYN. I’m a family medicine physician. In rural communities like ours, that often means I get to care for patients through every stage of life, including women’s health and, yes, delivering babies.

One of the things I appreciate most about rural medicine is that we do not just treat one condition or one age group. We take care of the whole person, and we take care of families. Preventive screenings like Pap tests are a simple, practical part of that.

Who Should Get a Pap Test, and How Often?

Screening recommendations can vary based on your age, health history, and past results. Your provider will help you choose what is right for you, but here is the general idea many clinics follow:

• Age 21 to 29: usually Pap testing at regular intervals

• Age 30 to 65: often a Pap test, an HPV test, or both on a schedule based on your results

• Over 65: some people can stop screening if they have had consistent normal results, but not everyone

If you have a history of abnormal results, are immunocompromised, or have other risk factors, your schedule may look different. If you are unsure, just call and we will help you figure it out.

What About the HPV Vaccine?

You may have heard of the HPV vaccine (Gardasil). This vaccine helps protect against the types of HPV that most often lead to cervical cancer.

It is typically recommended for preteens, but many teens and adults can still benefit if they have not had it yet. If you have questions about whether the HPV vaccine is right for you or your child, ask at your next visit. We are happy to talk it through.

Where to Schedule a Pap Test in Rice County, Kansas

Pap tests and well-woman visits are available at:

Lyons Family Care

1221 West Noble St., Lyons, KS 67554
Phone: 620-257-5124

Sterling Family Care

239 N Broadway Ave., Sterling, KS 67579
Phone: 620-278-2123

If you are due, or if you are not sure, call either clinic and we will help you figure out what you need and get you scheduled.