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Women aged 21 to 65 urged to get Pap tests & HPV screenings

-January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
The Health Promotions Unit is encouraging women aged 21 to 65 to get Pap tests and HPV screenings, as the Virgin Islands (VI) recognises Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Health Promotions Unit
January is being observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month under the theme ‘Empower the Storytellers’. Photo: Internet Source
January is being observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month under the theme ‘Empower the Storytellers’. Photo: Internet Source
The First BVI Moves walk for the year will be held on January 17, 2026, at 6:00 AM, from the Noel Lloyd Park to the CSY dock and back. Photo: Facebook
The First BVI Moves walk for the year will be held on January 17, 2026, at 6:00 AM, from the Noel Lloyd Park to the CSY dock and back. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Health Promotions Unit is encouraging women aged 21 to 65 to get Pap tests and HPV screenings, as the Virgin Islands (VI) recognises Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is being held under the theme ‘Empower the Storytellers’. 

“Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. It is one of the most preventable and highly treatable cancers when detected early,” the unit said in its Health & Wellbeing Newsletter for January. 

The Health Promotions Unit is therefore encouraging women aged 21 to 65 to schedule Pap tests and HPV screenings. 

The unit also continues to promote the HPV vaccine for men and eligible adolescent boys and girls from 15 years of age.

Know the common symptoms 

It added that recognising symptoms and seeking medical advice to address any concerns is a critical step. 

Women who notice the following are encouraged to see a healthcare professional:

  • Unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse
  • Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, symptoms like persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis 
  • Weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Swelling in the legs

Adopt small & sustainable habits

The unit also urged people to adopt small, sustainable habits that support a healthier lifestyle in 2026. 

“Whether your focus is nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease prevention, or mental wellness, every positive choice makes a difference,” it said. 

The unit added, “January launches a new year for our BVI Moves Campaign, helping residents get back on track after the holiday season, and reach their health and fitness goals for this new year.”

The First BVI Moves walk for the year will be held on January 17, 2026, at 6:00 AM, from the Noel Lloyd Park to the CSY dock and back.

5 Responses to “Women aged 21 to 65 urged to get Pap tests & HPV screenings”

  • VD (08/01/2026, 10:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Get tested
  • solution (08/01/2026, 10:58) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sleep by yourself
    Leave those wild dirty men alone
    What they expose themselves to
    Let them keep it
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (08/01/2026, 12:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why from 21 years to 65 and not 25 years to 65. Is this just another scare tactics in tge making. Everyone will not be negatively affected by this disease, but if so and your concern is so great, what is the cost, and who will help the low wages earners cover the cost?

    In addition, HPV:

    Please help educate the B.V.I population, in details, about HPV. I this would of massive deceitful maneuvers and unknown consequences of Vaccines promotion and testing, evidence full of truth is necessary. Permit chances with human, but trust our Creator, only.
  • Cindy (08/01/2026, 13:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    what about the men?


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