Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:          Immediately                                        Kill Date: 

Contact Person:     Dianna LaBonte, R.N.

                                    Genesee County Health Department  

                                    Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program

Phone:                      (810) 237-4571

Fax:                            (810) 237-4595

RE:                             Cervical Cancer Awareness

In Genesee County , the average number of cervical cancer cases each year between the years 1999 and 2001 was 185.  If detected early, deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented with appropriate treatment.  Every year nearly 15,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S. and approximately 4,500 of them will die from the disease.  Early detection is vital in survival of cervical cancer.  

Cervical cancer can be detected through regular Pap smear tests.  The Michigan Cancer Consortium, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the American Cancer Society recommend:

• All women who are age 18 and older or who have been sexually active should have a Pap smear every year.

• After three consecutive normal exams, the Pap test may be performed every three years, at the health care provider’s discretion.

The Genesee County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (BCCCP) offers FREE pap smears and pelvic exams, breast exams and mammograms. The program is an ongoing cancer screening program in partnership with local physicians, laboratories, radiologists and clinics.  Funding is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Michigan , county government and local resources and accepts straight Medicaid and Medicare Part A.  The program is for women 40 and over who meet program qualifications. For more information or to schedule an appointment for life saving screening, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 237-4545.