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Cervical Health Awareness Month

Friday, January 27, 2012

January is designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month and the Lake County Health Department is encouraging women to schedule their annual screening with the Leesburg or Umatilla Health Center or their health care provider.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), all women are at risk for breast and cervical cancer but regular screenings can prevent or detect these diseases early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has established the following guidelines for screening but women should discuss with their health care provider how often they should get screened.

Breast cancer: Women between 40 and 74 years old should get mammograms every two years. Those under 40 should talk with their provider about when they should be screened.

Cervical cancer: Women should get their first Pap test within three years of the first time they have sex or at age 21 (whichever happens first) and continue screening at least every three years.

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Program makes it easy to get the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. Screenings are provided either free or at low cost to women who meet the following program eligibility requirements:

. Serving women between 50 to 64 years of age

. Do not have insurance that covers the service

. Meet income guidelines which is a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

"Each year in the U.S. approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 23,000 with breast cancer. Both are preventable. We can increase awareness by educating our communities on the importance of regular Pap testing, vaccinations to block the types of viruses that cause cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings. Your action will make a difference. Early detection saves lives," states LCHD'S Medical Executive Director, Dr. Claude Jones.

For more information or to determine if eligibility call 800-226-6110 or visit local Florida Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program.