Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 DATE:                         January 31, 2006                          KILL DATE:

 Contact Person:          Dianna LaBonte, R.N., B.S.N.
                                       Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program

 PHONE:                       (810) 237-4571

 RE:                               Cervical Cancer Awareness   

Regrettably during 2003, 104 women in Michigan died of cervical cancer.  All deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented through appropriate treatment.  Since most cervical cancers develop over a long period of time, abnormal tissue can be detected early through a test called a Pap smear.  Early detection plays an important role in cervical cancer survival.  

The Michigan Cancer consortium, the Michigan Department of Community Health, the American Cancer Society and the Genesee County Health Department recommend a Pap smear:  

• Annually for all women who have reached the age of 21 or who have been sexually active for three years.

• Every two years after three consecutive normal exams, at the 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 for women 40 and over who meet program qualifications.  Funding is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Michigan , Genesee County government and local resources.  The program accepts straight Medicaid, Medicare Part A, Genesee Health Plan and some private insurance.  For more information or to schedule an appointment for a life saving screening, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 237-4545.

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