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What You Can Do to Stop Cervical Cancer
The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) is reaching out to all union women to inform them about the importance of cervical cancer awareness.
Did you know that...
Cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening.
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a common virus: human papillomavirus (HPV).
Most women will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few will develop cervical cancer. In fact, most women who get HPV will get rid of the virus through their body's normal healing process.
Only HPV infection that persists for several years can put a woman at risk for cervical cancer.
Screening for cervical cancer can be done by your health care provider using just a Pap test if you're younger than 30 or a Pap and HPV test if you're 30 or older.
A Pap test looks for cell changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer. The HPV test looks for the virus that causes cervical cancer. When used together, the Pap and HPV test can better identify women needing early intervention to prevent cervical cancer.
The HPV test is now approved by the FDA for regular screening in women age 30 and older.
In addition, an HPV vaccine is now available for girls and women ages 9-26. Although the vaccine will help prevent many HPV infections, screening will still be needed to prevent cervical cancer.
The Empire Plan covers the HPV and Pap tests, as well as the HPV vaccine for girls and young women ages 9-26. Dependent females up to the age of 19 are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine under the terms of the pediatric immunization program, and eligible females ages 19 to 26 receive coverage under the adult immunization program. Under the adult immunization program, the vaccine must be administered by an Empire Plan participating provider for it to be a covered benefit.
HMOs must provide the HPV vaccine for dependent females up to the age of 19. Some HMOs also cover the vaccine for student dependents age 19 and over. Contact your HMO for more details.
More information about the HPV vaccine is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you'd like to know more about the Coalition of Labor Union Women's Cervical Cancer Awareness Project, check it out, and pass the word!