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Highlights in Minority Health
January, 2004

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Collage of Women of different race/ethnicity.
 
JANUARY IS CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
  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.
  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.
  Incidence rates of 15 per 100,000 or higher also occur among Alaska Native, Korean, and Hispanic women.
  Black women have the highest age-adjusted mortality rate from cervical cancer, and are followed by Hispanic women.
   
SCREENING
  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.
   
WHAT YOU CAN DO
  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.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION
  National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)
Cancer Prevention and Control
    National Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
    Cervical Cancer & Pap Test Information
    Cervical Cancer & Specific Populations
   
  NCI Cervical Cancer Home Page
    National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)
    NCI Cancer Facts: Human Papillomaviruses & Cancer
   
  National Women’s Health Information Network
   
  American Cancer Society
    All About Cervical Cancer
     


 

 

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Last Updated on November 03, 2004
Office of Minority Health

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