Press Release 01.03.08 Cervical Cancer Screening Month
Planned Parenthood Marks Cervical Cancer Screening Month By Renewing the Fight Against This Preventable Disease
January Is National Cervical Cancer Screening Month
[St. Paul, MN] — In honor of National Cervical Cancer Screening Month, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS) will continue the fight against cervical cancer by working to increase access to preventive health care services, which can put an end to this disease. Cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide.
“Planned Parenthood knows that one of the quickest paths to eliminating this disease is through regular cervical cancer screenings coupled with widespread HPV vaccination and consistent and correct condom use,” said PPMNS President and CEO Sarah Stoesz. "Planned Parenthood is working hard to make sure that these preventive services become a routine, affordable part of reproductive health care — to protect the future health of our daughters and granddaughters.”
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006, the HPV vaccine is designed to prevent most forms of cervical cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Regular condom use also significantly reduces the risk of contracting the types of HPV that cause nearly all cervical cancer.
“Women can always turn to PPMNS for the information and services they need to protect their health and their future,” added Stoesz. “Cervical Cancer Screening Month is the perfect time for women to talk with their doctor or other health care provider about how they can best protect themselves from cervical cancer.”
Experts estimate about 11,150 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2007. Half of women diagnosed with this cancer are between the ages of 35 and 55; however, it is important for women to continue to having regular cancer screenings until age 70 or later. Every year, about 4,000 American women die of the disease.
For more information about the HPV vaccine and cancer screening at Planned Parenthood, please visit http://www.plannedparenthood.org/news-articles-press/politics-policy-issues/medical-sexual-health/national-cervical-cancer-screening-month.htm
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