Tag: Women’s Health Check

Prevent Cervical Cancer

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By: Charlene Cariou, MHS, CHES, Comprehensive Cancer Prevention Program Manager, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Cervical cancer screening can prevent cancer – don’t put it off!
Start the new year off right and get screened for cervical cancer. Get screened regularly- cervical cancer can be prevented when cell changes are caught early and treated

Did you know?
Cervical Cancer Quick Facts:

  • 3 out of 10 Idaho women still need to be screened for cervical cancer – most of these women have health insurance coverage.
  • Idaho ranks 50th in the nation for cervical cancer screening, we can do better!
  • Women should have their first PAP test in their 20’s and regularly until age 65.
  • Cervical cancer is PREVENTABLE through regular screening.

Reduce your Risk
What increases your risk for cervical cancer in the first place?

  • Tobacco use – smoking doubles your risk for cervical cancer
  • Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccination is recommended for boys and girls at ages 11-12.

Call to Action
Get screened and encourage your friends and family to talk to their doctor about getting screened.

For more information about cervical cancer, check out these resources:

Are you a sitting target?

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I was talking with a group of women last week about breast cancer. It seems the majority fell into two groups…”I don’t want to hear any more about breast cancer; I am sick of it” and “I am scared to death; I don’t want a mammogram – I just hope for the best”. I can appreciate both perspectives but doesn’t it just make us sitting targets? Cancer feeds on ignorance and fear; they are cancer’s allies. Idaho has a low mammography screening rate and we need to change that. Please know that you don’t have to participate in a cancer walk, you don’t have to wear pink, you don’t have to pledge support, you don’t have to listen to surviviors. All you have to do is get a mammogram. No more excuses. Make the call; get it done. For breast cancer resources, visit Health Matters. For financial assistance with a mammogram, visit Women’s Health Check and Operation Pink Bag. Do you have a breast cancer story you would like to share?