PRESS RELEASE

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein 

Date: January 22 2019                                

CONTACT: Daniel Meyer/Email: Daniel.Meyer@erie.gov 

Phone: (716) 858-2890

JANUARY IS NATIONAL CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 

Vaccination and early detection helps save lives; free screenings available for uninsured women

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Health reminds residents that January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and now is the ideal time for women to check when they were last screened for cervical cancer and when their next screening test is due.

While cervical cancer is highly preventable due to the availability of screening tests and vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), most cervical cancer diagnoses in the United States occur among women who have either never had a Pap test or have not had a Pap test in the last five years.

“If found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “Most cervical cancer is caused by HPV, which is a very common sexually transmitted infection that can also cause genital warts. The vaccine protects against HPV types that most often cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and throat cancers in addition to genital warts. Through the Erie County Cancer Services Program, we have the ability to provide cervical cancer screening for uninsured or underinsured residents. I strongly encourage women to contact us and schedule an appointment.”

Early on, cervical cancer usually does not cause symptoms, which makes regular screening the key to an early diagnosis. Screening can find cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Through its Cancer Services Program, ECDOH provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening, diagnostic testing, treatment, and support services for uninsured or underinsured individuals. The ECDOH Cancer Services Program can determine services eligibility, assist with scheduling screening examinations, and provide information at no cost. 

For more information:

Individuals can call the Cancer Screening Program at (716) 886-9201 or visit the Cancer Services Program website at http://www2.erie.gov/cancerservices/

Specific details about Cervical Cancer Screening and the HPV Vaccine, visit the Erie County Department of Health website at http://www2.erie.gov/health/

Current statistics about cervical cancer is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/index.htm

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