The Daily O’Collegian

We live in a world of excessive communication and information.

Thanks to the Internet, we can instantly access facts and information about pretty much anything.

Unfortunately, there’s one subject on which several women lack information and communication.

When it comes to a woman and her own body there’s a lot that is still left unsaid.

Although we’re in the 21st century, the term “gynecology” continues to make women squirm.

It’s a taboo subject several women shy away from and is filled with scary words like vagina, menstruation and ovary.

But if a woman lets her health go unchecked she may face even scarier words like growth, tumor and cancer.

Once a woman turns 20 years old, it’s a good idea to get a pap smear once a year.

While it may be a bit unpleasant it’s painless and over in less than five minutes.

This procedure helps look for the human papilloma virus, also known as HPV.

While this virus is not a big deal, if unchecked it can lead to cervical cancer, which can result in death.

The scary thing is several college age women are unaware of this.

Pap smears are not just a thing for older women. In fact, this virus is so commonplace for women of all ages that there is a new vaccination to prevent the virus.

When breast cancer is detected in the early stages, there is an excellent chance of survival. In fact, the survival rate continues to climb each year.

However, if growths go undetected, they, much like cervical cancer, can become life threatening.

During an annual visit to the gynecologist, a patient can learn how to perform an easy self-breast exam.

Although this is a simple process, many women are unsure of what to do.

Women need to know what feels normal and what doesn’t. It is sad that several women are not in touch with their own bodies to know the difference.

While some women may feel uncomfortable performing this task, it could save lives.

Although breast cancer is more common in women over 40, there is still a chance it might infect younger women.

Being a woman automatically puts you at risk for breast cancer, and the best way to fight it is through awareness. This awareness needs to start early.

Routine breast exams need to start while a woman is in her 20s so this becomes a habit throughout her lifetime.

In addition to detecting cancer early, it is also important to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

It is possible to carry an STD and not experience any symptoms. Many STDs can be treated if detected early, but if left unnoticed, they can prove deadly.

A lot of college students do not get tested because they are terrified of the results.

But wouldn’t it be a lot easier to find out you have a disease early on and get the proper treatment?

Diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea may sound terrifying but these are two STDs that are fairly common and easy to treat.

But if you refuse to be tested you could be left suffering from blindness, infertility and even insanity.

There’s no reason to be afraid of our bodies.

The only way to stay healthy is to stay in touch with our health.

We’re so good about taking care of our cars and fighting off viruses on our computers, so why can’t we apply that same diligence to ourselves?

Knowing our bodies can empower us to live a long and healthy life.

So when it comes to your body, get educated.