September is gynecological cancer awareness month, while January is cervical cancer awareness month - so I ask you to read this short column to learn how you can possibly save your life, or the life of a mother, sister, daughter or friend you love.
A virus called human papillomavirus causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most sexually active adults will be infected with HPV at some point in their life. There are many types of HPV spread by skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. HPV causes no symptoms and usually goes away on its own, by all accepted medical reports.
Low-cost and free pap tests and mammograms are available in Montana. If you think you cannot afford a pap test or mammogram, please call the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program at 1-888-803-9343. They will connect you with an administrative site in your area providing free or low-cost pap tests and mammograms for low-income, uninsured and underserved women. The program provides services for women between the ages of 50 and 64 who are eligible. Limited services are available for women ages 30 to 49 for pap tests and ages 40 to 49 for mammograms.
The American Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control suggest these ways of reducing the chance of HPV infection:
The surest prevention of HPV infection is abstinence. If one does become sexually active, limiting the number of sexual partners decreases the chance of infection. Use of condoms can reduce, but will not eliminate, the chance of HPV infection. Smoking can increase the chance of HPV infection.
Why talk about cervical cancer now? It is in recent years that the facts told here have become generally, medically accepted. Modern medicine and advanced technology have also put new tools before us in the fight against cervical cancer. When a woman receives an unclear pap test result, for example, doctors may now order a test which can specifically determine if high-risk HPV is in the body.
In addition, two vaccines are becoming available which combined, protect against four types of HPV, including the two types of HPV which cause 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. Once a vaccine is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends who should get the vaccine and at what age.
So, I have joined with men and women, Republicans and Democrats, and lieutenant governors across the country in trying to pass on these facts so you can act. My message is simple. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a sexually transmitted virus. Women should commit to get a regular pap test and follow up on results. Informed sexual decisions and regular screening can rid us of cervical cancer. Please, pass it on and help end cervical cancer, perhaps within our lifetime.
John Bohlinger is lieutenant governor of the state of Montana.
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