Senator Jeff Klein has again taken the leading role in pushing efforts for cervical cancer awareness and preventatives for all residents of the Bronx.
“With a new vaccine and regular Pap and HPV tests available cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,” said Klein. “Although cervical cancer is highly treatable, early detection remains absolutely crucial.”
To highlight the little known Cervical Cancer Screening Month, taking place in January, Klein has renewed his recommendation for Bronx women to schedule regular screenings as well as speaking with their healthcare providers on advances and opportunities for help and information.
In January of 2008, Klein honored the HPV Clinic at Montefiore for their service to the Bronx and women throughout the city.
This clinic provides vaccination, education, and counseling to women age 19 thru 26.
Many of these outreach programs hope to decline the rapid spread of the sexually transmitted disease, HPV, and prevent the rise of cervical cancer.
“Our goal is to reach the young women who need the vaccine most and let them know that this service is available,” noted Doctor Mark Einstein, director of clinical research at Montefiore’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health.
“Additionally, 30% of women 19-26 are under- or uninsured and access healthcare only if they need it. It is imperative that these women take part in this important preventative measures to protect them from cervical cancer.”
According to a press release from Senator Klein, by age 50 at least 80% of women in America will have contracted HPV, which may lead to cervical cancer, reported as the 6th leading killer of women in the U.S.
In addition to Montefiore’s clinic, New York has a network of partnerships that provide low-income, uninsured or under-served women with annual screening exams and follow up services. More information can be obtained through the Bronx Healthy Woman Partnership at (718) 547-5064.
“Few health issue rank higher in our community than cancer prevention,” said Klein.
“New You State has the 4th highest rate of cervical cancer in the country. In the United States more than 300,000 women are diagnosed with precancerous lesions that require further treatment. While, the Bronx leads the city in instances of cervical cancer, we also have the only HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer prevention clinic to help protect women in a critical age range that need to be protected from this deadly disease.”
