Screening is Key to Prevention, Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Each year, nearly 900 women in New York state are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 250 die from this disease. Because there usually aren’t any symptoms of cervical cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage, screening is essential.
“January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and it is a good time to remind women about the importance of screening,” said Candice Lucas, director of the Cancer Services Program of Monroe County. “Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer is preventable, and it is highly treatable if found early.”
National guidelines recommend that all women, age 21 and older, get screened for cervical cancer with a Pap test every three years through age 65. Pap tests look for pre-cancerous cell changes on the cervix that might become cancer. If pre-cancers are found, they can be treated, and in most cases, prevent cervical cancer from developing.
Although any woman can develop cervical cancer, it occurs more often in women over age 30, and it is more common among women who haven’t been screened in more than five years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most health plans cover the cost of cervical cancer screenings, leaving no out-of-pocket costs for women. The Cancer Services Program can cover that cost — as well as the cost of mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings — for those who do not have insurance.
“Money should not be an obstacle to good health and cancer prevention,” Lucas said. “We advise women not to delay or stop their screening without first talking to their doctor.”
To learn more about cervical cancer screening or coverage for uninsured women, contact the Cancer Services Program of Monroe County at (585) 224-3070 or visit www.GetScreenedRochester.org.
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