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NEWS FROM UT MEDICAL GROUP INC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 8, 2010
CONTACT - Joy Sutherland, 901-448-6337
Act Now to Prevent Cervical Cancer
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical cancer is a potentially deadly disease that affects thousands of women each year. Most cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection that can also cause genital warts and other non-cancerous conditions. Thanks to the recent development of the HPV vaccine, however, many of these cases can now be prevented.
“The HPV vaccine has been seen as a major step in the reduction and elimination of cervical cancer worldwide,” says Dr. Claudette Shephard, chief of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at UT Medical Group. “Although the vaccine does not remove the need for screening and routine gynecologic examinations, it goes a long way in helping us get ahead of this devastating disease. Personally, I believe that all females should receive the vaccine unless they have an allergy to the vaccine or a medical condition that prevents them from being immunized.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control routinely recommends the vaccine for girls ages 11 to 12, but the series may be started as young as 9 years of age. Catch-up vaccinations are recommended for older teens and young female adults. View a detailed guide to HPV vaccination recommendations here.
Dr. Shephard cares for children and young adults with gynecological problems such as early puberty, menstrual irregularities, pelvic endometriosis, genital rashes, and ovarian cysts. To make an appointment with Dr. Shephard at UTMG’s Germantown office or in the Memphis Medical Center, please call 901-866-8814.
For more information about UT Medical Group News and Events contact:
Joy T. Sutherland
Manager, Public Relations & Publications
UT Medical Group, Inc.
1407 Union Ave., Suite 660 • Memphis, TN 38104
901-866-8383 (phone), 901-302-2383 (fax), 901-524-6581 (pager*)
Visit us online at www.utmedicalgroup.com
For media inquiries: utmgmedia@yahoo.com
*If you are a reporter and need information during non-business hours, please call the number above and follow paging instructions.
| Information and links found on the UT Medical Group, Inc. web site are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call your healthcare provider immediately. |