The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging women ages 21 and older to speak with their physician or health care provider about cervical cancer screening and prevention this month – “Cervical Health Awareness Month.”  Cervical cancer forms in the tissues of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus or womb that connects the vagina or birth canal to the upper part of the uterus.  Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus infection.  Fortunately, with regular screenings and follow-up, this form of cancer is easily preventable and highly treatable when detected in its early stage.  Each year approximately 12,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that half of the cervical cancers occurred among women who are rarely or never screened for cervical cancer.  There are often no noticeable symptoms of cervical cancer in its early stage, which is why it is important for women to be screened regularly.  Call the health line at 1-888-522-1282 for more information.