Screening and Vaccines can Prevent Cervical Cancer

Tue January 2, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DUPAGE COUNTY-January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the DuPage County Health Department wants residents to know that cervical cancer is preventable and a program is available for women who lack health insurance.

Each year, approximately 12,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 4,000 die as a result. Around the world, cervical cancer impacts women who lack awareness about the disease, and those without access to healthcare.

Cervical cancer is caused by specific types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that almost everyone who is sexually active will have at some point. The HPV vaccine protects against the virus that most often causes cervical cancer, and screening can identify at-risk women.

Cervical cancer can be prevented, or found early, by following these steps:
· Vaccinate - recommended for females and males ages 9 to 26
· Regular Pap tests - beginning at 21
· HPV test - women 30 and older

The Health Department offers the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) to DuPage County women who are underinsured or uninsured. This important program is provided in part through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, and offers free breast cancer and cervical cancer screening for low-income residents.

The links below offer additional information about cervical cancer:
· Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
· American Cancer Society
· National Cancer Institute

For more information, go to dupagehealth.org or call the DuPage County Health Department (630) 682-7400.

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