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January
Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Nevada
Cancer Institute, the state’s official cancer institute, would
like to remind women that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness
month.
Cervical
cancer is nearly 100 percent preventable, yet the American
Cancer Society reports that more than 9,700 new cases of
cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2007
and more than 3,700 women will die of the disease.
The good
news is that cervical cancer can be prevented with a simple and
available screening tool, the Pap test. The Pap test is an
important medical exam that can actually prevent cervical cancer
from developing almost 100 percent of the time.
Minority
populations and persons in lower socioeconomic statuses are
affected disproportionately. Studies have shown that the risk
factors associated with cervical cancer are closely linked to:
-
Failure to receive regular Pap test screening
-
Human
papillomavirus (HPV) infection
-
Certain sexual behaviors
-
Immunosuppressive disorders such as HIV/AIDS
Experts
agree that infection with certain strains of the HPV is one of
the strongest risk factors for cervical cancer. The sexual
behaviors specifically associated with greater risk are
intercourse at an early age, multiple male sexual partners and
sex with a male partner who has had multiple sexual partners.
Experts
agree that one of the most important preventative measures women
can take to reduce their risk of cervical cancer is to receive
regular screenings through a Pap test. Nevada’s goal, as
established in the Healthy People 2010 report, is to ensure that
90 percent of women have had a Pap test in the past three
years. Currently, however, only 83 percent of Nevada woman have
received the life-saving test. The Pap test is essential because
it can detect changes in the cervix before they have a chance to
develop into cancer. The test can also detect early cervical
cancer, which is when treatments are most effective.
The
American Cancer Society recommends that women start getting Pap
tests within three years of having their first sexual
intercourse or beginning at age 21, whichever comes first. After
that, they should receive an annual Pap test every two years
until age 30. After age 30, women who have had three normal Pap
tests in a row need only go for screening once every two to
three years.
For more
information about cervical cancer or where free or low-cost Pap
tests are available, please contact Susan Robinson, associate
director of Education and Outreach, at (775) 356-8800.
Media
queries:
Clark P.
Dumont, APR, (702) 821-0043
cdumont@nvcancer.org
Jennifer
McDonnell, (702) 821-0082
jmcdonnell@nvcancer.org |
