Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

PRESS RELEASE

Date: December 19, 2006  

Release Date:  January 1, 2007

Contact:  Dianna LaBonte, R.N., B.S.N.

                Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program

                (810) 237-4571

Re:  Cervical Cancer Awareness

During 2002, 382 women in Michigan were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer.  In 2002, 57% of the women who died of cervical cancer were over the age of 55.  This is sad when if detected early, all deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented with appropriate treatment.  Most cervical cancers develop over a long period of time.  It is during this time that abnormal tissue can be detected through a test called a Pap smear. 

The Michigan Cancer Consortium, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the American Cancer Society recommend:

• All women who are age 21 and older or who have been sexually active for three years should have a Pap smear every year.

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

The Genesee County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control 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 Genesee County , the State of Michigan , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and accepts Genesee Health Plan, 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 your life saving screening, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 237-4545.

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