JANUARY IS CERVICAL
CANCER AWARENESS MONTH |
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Each year, about 15,000 women in the
United States learn that they have cancer of the cervix. Around the
world, cervical cancer is often the most common type of cancer among
women. Both incidence and mortality for invasive cervical cancer have
declined about 40% since the early 1970s. |
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The highest age-adjusted incidence rate in the
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) areas occurs among Vietnamese women (43 per 100,000). Their
rate is 7.4 times the lowest incidence rate, 5.8 per 100,000 in
Japanese women. |
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Incidence rates of 15 per 100,000 or
higher also occur among Alaska Native, Korean, and Hispanic women. |
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Black women have the highest age-adjusted
mortality rate from cervical cancer, and are followed by Hispanic
women. |
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SCREENING |
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A Pap test is used to find cell changes in
the cervix. It can find problems that can be treated before they turn
into cervical cancer. A Pap test also can find cancer early. If
cervical cancer is found early, it's easier to cure. The Pap test is a
simple, painless test to detect abnormal cells in and around the
cervix; it can be done in a doctor’s office or a health clinic. If all
women had pelvic exams and
Pap tests regularly, most
precancerous conditions would be detected and treated before cancer
develops. That way, most invasive cancers could be prevented. Any
invasive cancer that does occur would likely be found at an early,
curable stage. |
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WHAT YOU CAN DO |
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You need to have a Pap test if you are
under 21 and began having sex three years ago or you are 21 or over.
Most women should get a Pap test at least once every 3 years. Talk
with your doctor about what testing schedule is right for you. |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION |
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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)
Cancer Prevention and
Control |
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National Breast
& Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program |
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Cervical
Cancer & Pap Test Information |
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Cervical Cancer & Specific Populations |
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NCI
Cervical Cancer Home Page |
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National
Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) |
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NCI
Cancer Facts: Human Papillomaviruses
& Cancer |
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National Women’s Health Information
Network |
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American Cancer
Society |
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All About Cervical Cancer |
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