ACAP encourages women to take preventive measures

The Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP), in conjunction with Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP), is encouraging all women who are sexually active or over the age of 21 to obtain a pap smear and pelvic exam as a preventive measure for the early detection of cervical cancer.     The average age in which cervical cancer occurs is 48 and dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition if untreated will lead to cancer, often occurs in women under the age of 40. When cervical cancer is detected in its earliest stage, according to the American Cancer Society, the rate of survival is 92 percent within the first five years of diagnosis.
    Most cervical cancers can be prevented by finding and treating dysplasia before it becomes cancer, and by preventing dysplasia altogether. The most effective way to prevent cancer of the cervix is through regular screenings since most cervical cancer is found in women who have neglected or delayed pap smears.
    Another way to prevent cancer is by avoiding Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). By taking precautions such as not having sex at an early age, using condoms every time sexual intercourse occurs, not smoking and being vaccinated prior to having sexual intercourse for the first time are all ways to help prevent HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer.
    If you are a Maine woman, over the age of 40, have no health insurance or have insurance with a high deductible and meet income guidelines at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, you may be eligible for free services through MBCHP. For more information please call the MBCHP at 1-800-350-5180 or ACAP at 1-800-432-7881.