NorthStar EMS Promotes Cancer Screening and HPV Vaccination During Cervical Health Awareness Month

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Birmingham, AL., January 13, 2012: Modern medicine has given us unprecedented tools to prevent cervical cancer. In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, NorthStar EMS encourages women to schedule their annual well-woman checkups.
Each year in the U.S. approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die as a result. The true tragedy of the disease is that cervical cancer screening tests and vaccines exist that can prevent virtually every case.
In both the U.S. and around the world, the disease disproportionately impacts poor women. According to the American Social Health Association (ASHA), that in addition to not having access to healthcare, women often lack awareness about cervical cancer.ASHA’s CEO, Lynn Barclay states, “Science has put us in a remarkable position to protect women from cancer, but technology is only half the battle. It is imperative we continue efforts that not only promote greater access to health care, but that we also inform women about cervical cancer and the marvelous means we now have to prevent this disease.”
Pap test decrease the risk of developing cervical cancer by detecting precancerous cells which, when found early, are highly treatable. Women should have their first screening Pap test at age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active, if younger.
Most cervical cancer cases are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease. HPV infection can also cause a number of other health problems for both men and women. An HPV vaccine is available to prevent many of these potential health problems and is routinely recommended for both females and males at 11-12 years of age. The three dose series is to be given over a six month period. If an adolescent misses receiving the three recommended doses, they may catch up during 13-26 years of age. Most health insurance policies cover the cost of vaccines.
For more information, visit the American Social Health Association (ASHA) at www.ASHAstd.org or the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) at www.nccc-online.org

NEMS and WVUA partner for Cervical Health Awareness Month