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Grant OK’d for cervical cancer screening plan
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Posted on Sep 28 2005
The rate of cervical cancer in the CNMI is among the highest in the world, according to the Department of Public Health. It placed the blame on inadequate screening among the female population.
Data compiled at the DPH from 1997 to 2001 indicates that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the CNMI. Breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the top five leading causes of death due to cancer, and respectively rank as the first and third highest incidence of cancer in the CNMI. Further examination of cancer mortality data indicates that of the 103 women who died of cancer during the 1997-2001 timeframe, cervical cancer claimed 21 percent and 15 percent were documented as cancer of unknown origin.
Data reported by the Division of Public Health shows that there are 15,554 women who have not receive the recommended annual preventive health services in the local community. More than 60 percent of indigenous women are not receiving adequate preventive health care.
To help address this issue, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Title X Office of Family Planning Services has awarded the DPH a grant to implement a Cervical Cancer Screening Intervention Program for high-risk, low-income, uninsured or under-insured women. The “Cervical Cancer Screening 2005” project is aimed at targeting women aged 25 and older who have not had a pap-smear in four or more years.
Screening and diagnostic examinations are the cornerstone of breast and cervical cancer detection and prevention. Most cases of breast and cervical cancer can be prevented by regular screening. Women should begin getting a pap test three years after they become sexually active, but no later than 21 years of age, and should get an annual pap test thereafter.
The “Cervical Cancer Screening 2005” project anticipates to serve 600 targeted women through routine clinic hours, evening clinics and village outreach clinics. The CNMI Breast & Cervical Screening Program encourages all women in the CNMI to contact Joyce or Vangie at 236-8731 for more information. (PR)
