January
Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. During the past forty years, however, both the number of women developing the disease and the number dying from it have greatly decreased due to the Pap test. This exam can detect cervical abnormalities at an early, treatable stage—before they develop into cancer.
We encourage all women to talk to their health-care providers about the Pap test. In addition, females age 9 to 26 have the option of receiving a vaccine to protect against human pappilomavirus (HPV) infections. HPVs are a group of viruses; some of them cause cervical cancer. HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease, so ideally females should receive the vaccine before becoming sexually active.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program helps low-income, uninsured, and underserved women receive early detection screening both for breast and cervical cancers.
If you live in Utah, you may contact the Utah Cancer Control Program by calling 1-800-717-1811 to see if you qualify for a low-cost or free Pap test.
Please see the many resources below to learn more about cervical cancer.
Brochures and Fact Sheets
Available at no cost in the Cancer Learning Center or request a copy by calling 801-581-6365 or 1-888-424-2100 toll free.
Books
Available for check-out from the Cancer Learning Center or view ordering information from Amazon.com
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About HPV and Abnormal Pap Smears.. Palefsky, Joel. 2002.
Abnormal Pap Smears: What Every Woman Needs to Know.. Rushing, Lynda and Joste, Nancy. 2001.
Women's Cancers: How to Prevent Them, How to Treat Them, How to Beat Them.. McGinn, Kerry A.and Haylock, Pamela J. 2003.
For additional information, please visit the Huntsman Cancer Learning Center or call the Huntsman Cancer Information Service at 801-581-6365 or toll-free 1-888-424-2100.
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