Tuesday, February 3, 2009 New campaign promotes prevention for women with higher rates of cervical cancer |
KING COUNTY, WA – A new public education campaign launched by Public Health - Seattle & King County is aimed at reducing cervical cancer rates among local Vietnamese and Latina women, populations that suffer from higher rates of cervical cancer and lower rates of screening for the illness.
Cervical cancer is a serious illness, but with prevention options available for women today, the odds for staying healthy are better than ever. While many women benefit from cervical cancer screening and vaccine, some aren't aware of their choices. The new Public Health campaign urges all women to get screened and vaccinated and enlists mothers to take proactive prevention steps for their daughters.
"Regular pap screenings for women are a proven cancer prevention success, and the HPV vaccine is an important vaccine for girls and young women," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. "Our new campaign shares this valuable information with Latina and Vietnamese women who have had lower screening and higher cervical cancer rates."
Most health insurance plans pay for Pap tests and HPV vaccine. Schedule an appointment with your health care provider. You have affordable options. If cost or lack of insurance is a problem, call the Community Health Access Program at 1-800-756-5437.
Nationally, 9,700 women are diagnosed and 3,700 die of cervical cancer every year. In King County, 60 new women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 12 women die annually. Pap screening tests for women and the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for females aged 9-26 are proven ways of substantially reducing a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer.
About the new campaign
Public Health's targeted public education campaign, entitled Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Her, encourages mothers to make an appointment for their own Pap test and their daughter's vaccination. The campaign, which runs through early 2009, includes print advertisements in Vietnamese, as well as radio and television public service announcements in Spanish.
In addition to the campaign, Public Health continues to work with community partners at the International Community Health Services (ICHS) and CASA Latina's Women's Leadership Council to raise awareness about the HPV vaccine and the Pap test. Trained peer leaders are educating groups of Latina, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Samoan women about cervical cancer, how to prevent it and where to find local resources for services.
About Pap tests
Pap tests check for abnormal changes in cells on the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus. Abnormal cells can be treated, which prevents cervical cancer from developing. Health professionals recommend that women start Pap test screening three years after first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first.
In 2006, 82.4% of King County women 18 and over had a Pap test within the past three years, similar to the national average. However, some women have lower screening rates, including immigrants, women without health insurance, Latinas, and Asian-Americans.
About HPV and HPV vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes cervical cancer by infecting the cervix. HPV is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); 75% - 90% of all people who have sex will likely have HPV at some point in their lives. While the infection does not usually last long, it sometimes causes changes which can develop into cancer if not treated.
HPV vaccine protects against two types of Human papillomavirus that cause 90% of all genital warts and two types of HPV that cause 70% of all cervical cancer. HPV vaccine works best before women are exposed to the virus through sexual activity, and is recommended for all girls 11-12 years of age. Girls and women up through 26 years of age can also benefit from the vaccine.
More information
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health - Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. |