NEW YORK STATE — Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, yet it remains a major health concern worldwide. The good news is there are two effective ways to address cervical cancer: screening for it and vaccination against HPV (human papillomavirus), the leading cause of cervical cancer. 

The Cancer Services Program (CSP) of the Hudson Valley aims to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings and immunization. It provided information about cervical cancer, HPV and the vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is given to children between ages nine and 12 for maximum protection against six cancers caused by the virus, including cervical cancer. 

Screening for cervical cancer should start at age 21, with women aged 21 to 65 advised to have a Pap test every three years. Some women can also use an HPV test and be screened every five years. 

“The bottom line is that cervical cancer is preventable. We want to get this message out to the public and help make sure that all women, including those without health insurance or a health care provider, get timely screenings,” said Sara Hodgdon, regional director of the Cancer Services Program of the Hudson Valley & Orange County. 

Cervical cancer screening can save your life. Screening can detect pre-cancerous cells that can then be removed before the cells develop into cancer. 

Screening can also find cancer in its early stages, making treatment more effective. 

However, data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reveal worrisome differences in cervical cancer screening across certain populations. While 84 percent of New York State women aged 21 to 65 were up to date with screening, only about 74 percent of those without health insurance and about 73 percent of those without a regular health care provider reported being screened within the recommended timeframe.

Access to screening is available, regardless of insurance status or having a regular health care provider. The CSP offers free screening to eligible uninsured women aged 40 and older. 

For those with insurance, most health plans cover screening expenses at no charge. 

For more information about screening services, visit www.hitch.org/cancer-services-program or call 855/277-4482. This program is supported with funds from the State of New York. 

The Cancer Services Program (CSP) is a resource in the fight against cancer. It covers the cost of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services for New York State residents who do not have health insurance, or whose insurance cost share could prohibit them from obtaining essential screening or diagnostic services.