Regular screening can help prevent cervical cancer

Editor:

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Niagara Counties (GOWN) wants to raise awareness that cervical cancer is preventable!

Regular screening is key to preventing cervical cancer or finding it early, when treatment is most effective. Cervical cancer screening tests can find the cells that lead to cancer before it starts, or, find cancer early when it is most easily treated. Our program can help you get screened, even if you do not have insurance.

According to the latest New York State data (2016), women without health insurance are much less likely to be screened for cervical cancer (71%) when compared to women with private health insurance (88%). The CSP can help close the screening gap for women without insurance.

The CSP offers free cervical cancer screening to eligible uninsured women, age 40 or older. Our program also provides free breast and colon cancer screening to eligible New York State residents.

Orleans County Residents can call (716) 278-4898 and if you live outside of the GOWN Region, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) today to find out if you qualify for free cancer screenings.

If you have insurance, talk to your doctor about cervical cancer screening. It is a covered service under most health plans, including Medicaid plans and plans participating in the New York State of Health.

You can prevent cervical cancer by getting screened!

Jessica Downey

Program Coordinator

Cancer Services Program of Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming & Niagara Counties

& Community Partners of Orleans Community Health