Vigilance and empowerment for women are the themes of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
The American Cancer Society reports that between 60 and 80 percent of American women with newly diagnosed invasive cervical cancer have not had cervical cancer screening in the last five years and may never have had one, according to a release from the Health Department.
Women are encouraged to take the time in January to have a Pap smear.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 12,800 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2000. Of those 4,800 will die from the disease which is preventable and treatable with early detection.
The unscreened population includes older women, the uninsured, , ethnic minorities – expecially Latin women, African-American and Asian- American women – in particular those in poor rural areas.
The "Every Woman At Heart" campaign in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in the Health Department is available for additional information on Pap smear screeninga nd all other cancer awareness programs. They can be reached by called 774-9000, extension 4643 on St. Thomas or 773-2676 on St. Croix.
