Did you know during the month of January is when Cervical Health Awareness Month is held? A time to educate and encourage patients—especially elderly women—to prioritize cervical screenings. While cervical cancer is often associated with younger women, older women remain at risk, particularly those who may have missed regular screenings in their younger years. When was the last time your elderly patients had an exam?

Why Cervical Health Matters for Elderly Patients

Many women assume that once they reach menopause, cervical screenings are no longer necessary. However, cervical cancer can still develop later in life, and those who have not had routine screenings remain at risk. According to the American Cancer Society, over 20% of cervical cancer cases occur in women over 65.

Regular Pap smears and HPV tests can detect abnormal cell changes early, making cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers when caught in time. Yet, many elderly patients may avoid screenings due to lack of awareness, mobility issues, or difficulty in accessing healthcare facilities.

How Remote Pharmacy Can Provide a Solution

This is where remote pharmacy consulting and chronic care management (CCM) can make a significant difference. Pharmacists in remote care settings can:
✔ Educate patients about the importance of cervical screenings and cancer prevention
✔ Collaborate with primary care providers to ensure screenings are included in preventive health discussions
✔ Offer telehealth support for elderly patients who may struggle with transportation to appointments
✔ Remind and track patients who are overdue for screenings, helping them stay proactive about their health

Making Cervical Health a Priority

If you’re a pharmacist in a remote care setting, you have a unique opportunity to advocate for preventive care. Your role goes beyond medication management—you can be a crucial voice in ensuring elderly patients receive the screenings they need.

At The Pivot Program, we equip pharmacists with the tools to expand their impact in patient care, including chronic care management and health education strategies. Are you ready to be part of the solution?