DHSS Press Release |
Date: January 9, 2008 DHSS-3-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
JANUARY IS CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Focus on Screening and Early Detection
Delaware's Division of Public Health and the Delaware Cancer Consortium announce that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. In Delaware, girls and women have several easy and accessible options for prevention, screening and early detection of this disease.
Delaware women are urged to begin the new year by scheduling screenings for this highly preventable disease. From 2000-2004, there were 187 new cervical cancer cases in Delaware, 1.8 percent of all new cancer cases. Cervical cancer accounted for 1.6 percent of all cancer-related deaths during that period. The good news is that both new cases and mortality due to cervical cancer have been on a decline.
Cervical cancer is easily cured when detected early, however it is extremely important for women to get screened each year because there are often no signs or symptoms. A Pap test is a simple, painless test that can help prevent cervical cancer by identifying changes in the cells of the cervix. Pap tests help doctors find cervical cancer early - when it’s nearly 100 percent curable. Uninsured women who meet income guidelines can qualify for free pap tests through Delaware’s Screening for Life program.
In addition to Pap tests, a vaccine is now available thanks to a major medical breakthrough. Gardasil® vaccine protects girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has been identified as the cause of cervical cancer. The vaccine series is for girls and young women 9 - 26 years old.
Girls under age 19 may qualify for free Gardisil HPV vaccine if they are uninsured. Those with insurance should schedule an appointment with their health care provider. Uninsured women (ages 19-26) who meet income guidelines may qualify for free vaccine through the Screening for Life program (SFL). Call the Delaware Helpline (1-800-464-HELP) to be connected to the SFL program or to receive more information on where to receive the HPV vaccine.
For more information about the Delaware Cancer Consortium and its programs and services, visit www.delawarecancerconsortium.org.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
