February is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month at Cherokee Health Systems.
EAST TENNESSEE (February 2022) – The phrase “you have cancer” coming from a doctor is something that will shake up just about anyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all women are at risk for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer found inside the cervix. It most often occurs in women over the age of 30. The good news is screening tests along with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent cervical cancer or help doctors find it early enough to treat it.
A Pap test (or Pap smear) is one way to help protect yourself against cervical cancer. Health leaders recommend that you start testing at age 21. Pap tests are administered at all 23 locations of Cherokee Health System Clinics in East Tennessee. The test reveals abnormal and/or precancerous cells. Once the Pap test is complete, the next step is to evaluate the results for any abnormalities.
Cherokee in-house Women’s Specialty Clinics
In the event that further testing is needed, the in-house Women’s Specialty Clinics are equipped to analyze and biopsy abnormal tissue from the cervix. Women’s specialty clinics are offered at the CHS Alcoa, Chattanooga, Knoxville Center City, Morristown and Talbott, Tenn.
“It’s an honor to serve the women who come through our doors. When patients come to our clinics, I hope they know that they’re in the hands of experienced medical professionals who truly care about them,” said Dr. Michael Caudle, MD, CHS Director of Women’s Health.
Dr. Caudle specializes in obstetrics and gynecology and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He and his team at CHS are there to help you navigate a healthy journey at every stage of life. CHS’ Women’s Clinic services are available to all women regardless of their ability to pay.
Additional services at CHS Women’s Clinics include prenatal and post-natal care, testing and treatment of STIs, breast exams, family planning and nutrition education. These services are offered in conjunction with general health care, which includes treatment of acute illnesses, preventive care, and treatment of behavioral health conditions. To learn more, please visit www.cherokeehealth.com.
Cherokee administers COVID-19 vaccines
Cherokee Health Systems receives limited quantities of the COVID-19 vaccines. To schedule an appointment at any Cherokee Health clinic or at a sponsored site in East Tennessee, visit cherokee.org; or call 1-866-231-4477; Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm for assistance scheduling an appointment.
ABOUT: Since 1960, Cherokee Health Systems has been committed to ensuring Tennesseans access to effective, high-quality care. CHS is a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves 75,000 people annually. We offer a wide array of affordable comprehensive health services, including primary care, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy. All services are available to children, adults, and seniors on an ability to pay basis. CHS is a TennCare (Medicaid) and Medicare provider and accepts commercial insurance for payment.
Dr. Dennis Freeman is CEO of Cherokee Health Systems’ 23 clinics in East Tennessee, Chattanooga and Memphis offering affordable medical care and mental health services. Click on this link for a location near you. The CHS corporate office is at 2018 Western Ave., in the Knoxville Center-city location in the Mechanicsville community. To learn more about Cherokee Health Systems, Inc., or to find the next COVID-19 pop-up vaccination site, visit Cherokeehealth.com; or call (865) 934-6734.