|
 Cervical cancer forms in the tissues of the cervix (the lower,
narrow end of the uterus or womb that connects the vagina or birth
canal to the upper part of the uterus). Cervical cancer is almost
always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Fortunately,
with regular screenings and follow-up, this form of cancer is easily
preventable and highly treatable when detected in its early stage.
“We recommend women have their first routine cervical screening at
age 21,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “I also encourage
women, along with young girls (ages 11 to 13) and their parents, to
ask their health care provider about HPV vaccines, which are highly
effective at preventing certain forms of HPV.”
 Each year approximately 12,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with
cervical cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reports that half of the cervical cancers occurred among women
who are rarely or never screened for cervical cancer. There are
often no noticeable symptoms of cervical cancer in its early stage,
which is why it is important for women to be screened regularly.
Symptoms usually develop when the cancer has become invasive and
attacks nearby tissue. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal
bleeding. Although cervical cancer usually grows slowly, it can be
detected with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are
scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope)
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The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP)
provides free cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and under
insured Illinois women between the ages of 35 and 64, regardless
of income. Call the health line at 1-888-522-1282 for more
information.
To learn more about cervical cancer, visit: National Cancer
Institute, American Cancer Society, Center for Diseases Control
and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
[Illinois Department of Public
Health] IDPH continues
to implement its Five Year Strategy 2014-2018 to maximize IDPH’s
effectiveness, influence and value for promoting wellness, health
equity, safety and improved health outcomes. Strategic plan
priorities include developing and expanding partnerships; improving
data utilization; reducing health disparities; improving regulatory
compliance; and branding, marketing and communicating IDPH’s value.
http://www.idph.state.il.
us/about/StrategicPlan_Final_2014-2018.pdf
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