Central Michigan District Health Department Urges Women and Their Loved Ones to Help Prevent Cervical Cancer
N.E. Michigan – January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Central Michigan District Health Department
(CMDHD) reminds the community that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers that affect women.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2019, an estimated 13,170 new cases of cervical cancer were
diagnosed with an estimated 4,250 deaths from the disease. In Michigan alone in 2019, there were 360 new
diagnosis with an estimated 120 deaths from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly, beginning as simple abnormal cells. If left untreated, these cells
can progress into cancer. About 2 out of every 3 cervical cancers are caused by certain strains of the Human
Papilloma Virus (HPV). Vaccines have been shown to prevent the types of HPV that lead to cervical cancer.
Currently there are two HPV vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil, available for both boys and girls between the ages
of 9 and 26. Healthcare providers recommend getting your teens vaccinated. In October 2018, the FDA approved
the use of Gardasil 9 for males and females ages 27-45. Both vaccines are available by calling your local health
department branch office and making an appointment. This vaccine is recommended for males also, because
they can carry the virus and infect women leading to cervical cancer.
The Pap test is a specific screening test for cervical cancer and is not the same as a pelvic exam, although
the Pap test is done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. A Pap test is a simple and effective exam that can detect
abnormal cervical cells. If abnormal cells are found, treatment can usually be done to remove these cells and
prevent them from turning into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screenings are usually fast and easy. All women
who have reached the age of 21 should have regular interval cervical cancer screening. Following recommended
Pap smear screening guidelines can reduce a woman’s risk of cervical cancer.
Men and women should use the month of January to encourage partners and loved ones to schedule a
cervical cancer screening appointment and talk to their health care provider about the HPV vaccine. Join CMDHD
this month in telling mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, family and friends that “You Can Prevent Cervical
Cancer”.
Central Michigan District Health Department provides cervical cancer screenings to all women through
our Family Planning and Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Programs. CMDHD, through the Breast
and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program, provides free Pap tests and breast cancer screenings with
mammograms to women aged 21-64 with limited income and little or no health insurance. For more information
on cancer screening services offered at CMDHD, contact your local CMDHD branch office.
Arenac County: (989) 846-6541 ext. 1316
Isabella County: (989) 773-5921 ext. 1406
Clare County: (989) 539-6731 ext. 1216
Osceola County: (231) 832-5532 ext. 1216
Gladwin County: (989) 426-9431 ext. 1316
Roscommon County: (989) 366-9166 ext. 1316
###
and Up North Voice are Northern Michigan’s source for community news.
We are also a full-service commercial design and printing house. Our specialty is custom commercial printing, as well as the creation of clothing, cups and other marketing products.
.
Up North Voice is a division of AuSable Media Group, LLC, based at 709 Lake Street in Roscommon.
