Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January 9, 2012

The month of January is dedicated as “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month”. Each year in the United States approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women age 30 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cervical cancer is highly preventable. The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine helps prevent many of the infections caused by the human papillomavirus that actually causes cervical cancer. This vaccine is now available for females and males between the ages of 9 and 26.

In addition, pap tests help find cellular changes in the cervix before those changes cause cancer. The Licking County Health Department coordinates free pap testing for women in the following counties: Delaware, Fayette, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union. Women are able to see providers in their own county to receive pelvic exams and pap testing. To qualify, a woman must be at least age 40 and have an income less than 200% of the poverty level. For a family of four, that is an income less than $3,725.00 each month. Also, a woman must not have any health insurance.

The Licking County Health Department operates their program as part of the state-wide Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP). They have adequate funding to help many eligible women. They are also able to offer annual mammograms to women who qualify and who are at least age 50.

To see if a woman is eligible, she simply has to call the toll free number: 866-418-4963. Staff will arrange to make an appointment with a provider in the county in which she lives. For more information, please visit www.lickingcohealth.org.

Contact Info: Mary Beth Hagstad mhagstad@lickingcohealth.org (740) 349-6685.

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