So how do you think Illinois measured up regarding Cervical Cancer Screening?
This year marks the 10th year the ACS CAN has published the "How do You Measure Up Report". According to the report, "[t]he goal of every state should be to achieve "green" in each policy area delineated in the report. By implementing the solutions set forth in this report, state legislators have a unique opportunity to take a stand and fight back against cancer. "
Illinois Stats regarding State Appropriations for Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Program
According to the report, Illinois achieved GREEN status, "[Illinois] appropriation for [breast & cervical cancer screening programs] are 100% or more than the CDC award"! Bravo Illinois, with reservations. The report does indicate that Illinois is doing well in this area, but at the same time Illinois has reduced funding and implemented waiting lists or other means of limiting access to early detection programs; the funding in 2012 was less than 2011.
The report goes on to remind us all that over 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year, this does not include the over 500,000 that will be diagnosed with pre-cancerous conditions. "Pap tests detect precancerous lesions that can be treated before they become cervical cancer, resulting in a nearly 100 percent survival rate."
When is the last time you had a pap test?
According to the report, "[w]hen detected at an early stage, cervical cancer has a five-year survival rate of 91 percent. However, when cervical cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, survival rates plummet to 16 percent."
New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
The report also outlines the new screening guidelines...
The American Cancer Society released new cervical cancer screening guidelines for average risk women in March 2012. The guidelines recommend average-risk women aged 21-65 be screened using the following methods and frequencies:
• Women age 21-29 should receive a Pap test every three years (liquid or conventional).
• Women age 30-65 should receive co-testing with the HPV test and the Pap test every five years (preferred), or every three years with the Pap test alone.
• Women over the age of 65 who have had normal results should discontinue screening.
What are your thoughts on the new guidelines?
Please comment below.
I am personally opposed to the new guidelines. To be honest with you, they scare me to death! If my doctor's office would not have detected my cancer during my last visit, I may not have made it to the next visit, and if I did, I would have been knocking on death's door without a doubt.
Prior to my diagnosis in March 2012 with Stage 0 Cervical Adenocarcinoma, I had never had an abnormal pap. I elected to do the HPV test when I turned 30, the results were negative! According to my health history I was NOT at risk for cervical cancer, but guess what, I got it! Within one year of my last appointment all of this happened. I am married (7 years), I have a 2 year old son...fast forward five years, that cancer would have been Stage 3 or 4---VERY SCARY!
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests to eligible women. Even if a woman has already been diagnosed with cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies. The program has been providing breast and cervical cancer screenings to the women of Illinois since 1995.|
For additional information,
call the Women’s Health-Line toll free at:
888-522-1282
(800-547-0466
TTY)
|
535 W. Jefferson St., First Floor, Springfield,
IL 62761-0001
217-524-6088, Fax 217-557-3326Women's Health-Line: Toll-free: 888-522-1282 TTY: 800-547-0466 Be a Warrior, know your Risk! |
