January 19, 2005

Cervical cancer is essentially preventable, yet every year in Michigan, more than 400 women are diagnosed with the disease. January has been designated as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and in response, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is launching a new television and radio campaign to raise awareness on the importance of early detection and treatment.

“Regular Pap testing is the key to preventing deaths from cervical cancer. In Michigan, we have had a program in place since 1991 which offers a continuum of screening and treatment options for women who are uninsured or underinsured,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director.

The Pap test is the most common cervical cancer screening method and is the primary reason for the decrease in cervical cancer deaths. Since the test’s introduction over 60 years ago, the number of deaths has declined by more than 74 percent. Because most cervical cancers develop over many months, abnormal cervical tissue can be detected easily by a Pap test and then removed by a health care provider before the tissue develops into cancer.

“We encourage people to discuss the need for screening with their loved ones. Older women in particular may have concerns about getting tested. During 2001, 45 percent of women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer were between the ages of 36 and 54, and another 27 percent of those diagnosed were between 55 and 74 years old. These figures underscore the need for older women to seek cervical cancer screening and treatment services,” Olszewski said.

Michigan’s innovative advertising campaign – made possible by federal funding – will run across the state focusing on cervical cancer prevention and treatment. The funding, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will allow Michigan to spread the message that cervical cancer is preventable, treatable and curable.

Women under age 40 may obtain Pap tests from health care providers, at family planning clinics available through local health departments, or at Planned Parenthood of Michigan affiliates. Women ages 40 to 64 who are uninsured or underinsured and whose incomes are at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level may be able to get free Pap tests through the Michigan Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP).

Since 1991, the BCCCP has screened more than 95,000 women, and diagnosed and treated 1,500 women with cervical cancer. To learn more, call (toll-free) 800-922-6266.

The BCCCP also provides further diagnostic testing for women of all ages who qualify for assistance. In addition, those diagnosed with cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions through the BCCCP may apply for Medicaid to pay for their treatment.

The primary cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted virus in the nation. Risk factors include smoking, which doubles a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and having low socioeconomic status. In 2001, 428 women in Michigan were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer.

In 2002, 114 women died from cervical cancer. The Michigan Cancer Consortium recommends a yearly Pap test and speculum exam for all women beginning at age 21, or three years after the onset of sexual activity, whichever occurs first.