About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer.

A Pap test can help detect abnormal (changed) cells before they turn into cancer. Most deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented if women get regular Pap tests and follow-up care.

In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month MOORE ON HEALTH encourages:

Women to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21

Women to get the HPV vaccine before age 27

Parents to make sure their pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12

Men to get the HPV vaccine if you are under age 22