Wednesday, January 28, 2004

Good news about cervical cancer screening in Georgia

Nearly 90 percent of Georgia women are taking action to prevent cervical cancer, according to the latest report from the Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Georgia’s primary source of information on major health risk behaviors.

“January is Cervical Cancer Awareness and Screening Month. This is a perfect opportunity to bring up the subject with friends and love ones. Encourage them to see their doctor and get screened for cervical cancer,” said Linda Martin, BRFSS coordinator, Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health.

“Nearly all women in Georgia who need regular Pap tests for cervical cancer are getting tested,” said Martin. “That’s the good news. Georgia is within three-tenths of a percent of meeting the national screening standards for cervical cancer. Still, we want all women who need Pap tests to get screened.”

In 2004, an estimated 550 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in Georgia, and approximately 130 women will die of the disease.

“What if your mother, sister, aunt or friend were among these 130 deaths? All these deaths could be avoided with regular cervical cancer screenings,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., director, Division of Public Health, DHR.

“A Pap test can detect cervical cancer before it spreads or even develops, dramatically improving odds of surviving the disease,” Toomey emphasized. She added the most important thing women can do to protect themselves from cervical cancer is to get screened.

Women of all ages need to talk with their doctor or health care provider about being screened for cervical cancer. “Unfortunately, many middle-aged women and women who have stopped having children think screening is no longer necessary,” Toomey pointed out.

“The most common form of cervical cancer starts with precancerous changes. When it comes to preventing cervical cancer, there are many risk factors that can lead to an increased likelihood of developing this type of cancer,” Toomey stated. “However, it’s not possible to say with great certainty that a specific risk factor is the cause.”

“Infection with human papilloma virus is the most important risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. Other risk factors for the development of cervical cancer include increasing age, smoking, and HIV infection,” said Kimberly Redding, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of the cancer control section.

Nancy Paris, M.P.H., Georgia Cancer Coalition vice president, explained the new American Cancer Society guidelines for cervical cancer recommend that women begin their Pap tests three years after becoming sexually active but not later than 21 years of age.

“This is a simple test that collects a sample of cells from the cervix,” she said. “It takes a doctor just a few minutes to perform, yet the Pap test can detect cells that have a high likelihood of progressing to cancer or that are in the very early stages of cancer.”

Marlea Bradshaw, a cervical cancer survivor from Atlanta, said she agrees with the ACS guidelines and encourages all women 21 and older to have regular Pap tests. “Younger women who are sexually active also need to be screened for cervical cancer,” she added.

As part of the statewide Cancer Awareness and Education Campaign, the Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health are continuing to educate people in Georgia about cancer prevention and early detection. There are also programs to assist women in getting a Pap test done who do not have health insurance, and who meet age and financial status qualifications. These programs may be accessed through your local health department.

Cynthia Grant, RN, county nurse manager at Fayette County Health Department, added this personal note: “As the leader of the health ministry at my church, I constantly urge women to have yearly Pap tests, clinical breast exams and mammograms. I have heard some women express fear of the tests and exams themselves, and others who fear what they might learn from having the tests done. I regularly tell those who have these fears to take a female friend or family member along with them for ‘moral support.’ Make it a fun outing by rewarding yourselves after the test with lunch and shopping, or whatever fun activity you enjoy. Remember: what you don’t know can kill you. Early diagnosis is the key to putting the odds of recovery in your favor.”

To learn more, contact your local Fayette County Health Department at 770-461-1178 X 5416; call 1-800-4CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or visit www.georgiacancer.org.

Save a life. Get checked.