(KFVS) - The American Cancer Society says January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

The society says this is the perfect time to remind the women you love to schedule their pap test, a simple procedure that can help detect abnormalities before they might develop into cancer. According to ACS, the cervical cancer survival rate has increased to 70 percent because of this test.

ACS says because the HPV vaccine doesn't protect against all of the HPV types that can cause cancer of the cervix, it cannot prevent all cases of cervical cancer. They say this is why it is very important that women continue to have Pap tests, even after they've been vaccinated. Most invasive cervical cancers are found in women who have not had regular Pap tests.

The ACS recommends the following guidelines for early detection:

(KFVS) - The Illinois Emergency Management Agency's radon program is offering guidance to help renters better understand radon hazards and their rights under the law.

The program is under a new law to go into effect Jan. 1 to help people who rent apartments, condominiums or houses access information about radon levels in their home.

“About one-third of all housing in Illinois is rented,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “This new law will help renters find out if their landlords have already tested for radon and, if so, what levels were detected.  For units where no testing has been done, we hope more renters will be proactive and get their homes tested.  Radon is one health risk that can be easily reduced. Testing your home is the important first step.”

(KFVS) - The American Cancer Society is recommending people to start eating healthy and start a healthy living regimen today.

The society says tobacco use, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are the top three causes of cancer; all are behavior-related and preventable.

“Cancer prevention starts this minute,” said Sharon Smaga, MD, Assistant Director of SIU Family Medicine Program and American Cancer Society Medical Ambassador. “It is never too late to make changes in ones lifestyle that can help the body defend itself against disease.”

According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use accounts for 30 percent of all cancers. Adult obesity caused by poor diet is responsible for another 30 percent of all cancers, and sedentary lifestyle for five percent.

For more information contact your local American Cancer Society at 618-998-9898, option 3 or go to www.cancer.org.