Write a commentWith January being Cervical Health Awareness Month now is the ideal time to learn what you can do to detect and prevent cervical cancer by scheduling an annual gynecologic exam with your health care provider.
“This is an excellent time for women to learn about the risks of, and get screened for, cervical cancer,” said Carolyn Handville, coordinator of the Cancer Services Program of Oswego County. “With regular screening and follow-up care, cervical cancer is avoidable, and, if caught early, curable.”
According to the New York State Department of Health, cervical cancer is almost always caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are usually no symptoms of cervical cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage and six out of ten cervical cancers occur in women who have never received a PAP test or have not had one in the past five years.
“All women are at risk for cervical cancer,” said Handville. “Getting screened for cervical cancer with a PAP test is the key to prevention and survival. In the United States the PAP test has reduced cervical cancer rates by more than 70%. Even women that are past childbearing years or are no longer having sex should continue to have PAP tests.”
“As January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage all women to talk with their health care provider and schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider to discuss what they can do to protect themselves against cervical cancer. Women ages 40 to 64 that are uninsured should contact Oswego County Opportunities’ (OCO) Cancer Services Program at 315-592-0830 to schedule a FREE cervical cancer screening,” added Handville.
Did you know? OCO is a private, non-profit agency that touches the lives of thousands people each year through more than 50 programs operating in over 80 locations throughout Oswego County. The agency is celebrating 50 years of service in 2016. For more information, visit OCO's website at www.oco.org.
Administered through Oswego County Opportunities, the Cancer Services Program Partnership offers a number of cancer screening services including: Clinical Breast Exams, Mammograms, Pap/Pelvic Exams, and Colorectal Cancer Screenings for men and women. These screenings are available year round, free of charge, and play an important part in maintaining good health. For more information, or for eligibility requirements on the Cancer Services Program Partnership, contact Carolyn Handville at 315-592-0830 or visit www.oco.org.
