Challenge to Eliminate Cervical Cancer - Women in Government - Leadership Through Education
 

Challenge to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Awareness

Women In Government promotes cervical cancer awareness and prevention. Listen to the 30-second public service announcement as MP3 or in Flash Audio.

Women In Government and the International Union Against Cancer promote cervical cancer awareness and prevention. Listen to the

60-second public service announcement as an MP3 or in Flash Audio.  

Women In Government and the All Ireland Cancer Foundation promote cervical cancer awareness and prevention. Listen to the 60-second public service announcement as an MP3 or in Flash Audio.  

News

  • May 9, 2008: WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT TO PRESENT AT 20th WORLD CANCER CONGRESS & RELEASE TOOLKIT ON CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION. Women In Government's Board of Directors and staff members will travel to Geneva, Switzerland for the August 27, 2008 event. Read the Press Release.
  • March 26, 2008: WASHINGTON POST CALLS HPV VACCINE A NEEDED PROTECTION. In an editorial, the Washington Post says the case for the HPV vaccine is clear-cut. It commends Virginia and D.C. for mandating the vaccine while also providing education and giving parents a chance to opt out. Read the Editorial.
  • March 20, 2008: HPV AWARENESS HIGH AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS. In a survey of college students conducted by Florida State University researchers, 94% of women and 64% of men had heard of HPV. Those who knew about HPV were generally knowledgeable about the virus. Read About the Research.
  • March 10, 2008: STUDY FINDS HPV VACCINE REDUCES LIKELIHOOD OF ABNORMAL PAP SMEARS. University of Alabama study finds that the Gardasil vaccine significantly reduces the frequency of abnormal pap smears over a four-year period. Read About the Research.

Campaign Progress

In 2004, Women In Government launched the Challenge to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Campaign. This bipartisan initiative mobilizes state legislators to address cervical cancer prevention in their states.

States that have introduced legislation/resolutions    50

States that have enacted legislation/resolutions       50

Click here to view a map of state activity

(.pdf format - as of May 12, 2008)

 
  • Cervical cancer is highly preventable – screening and vaccination are key.
  • Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a common virus – human papillomavirus (or "HPV").
  • Most women will have HPV, but few will develop cervical cancer.
  • Only HPV infection that persists can lead to cancer.
  • A Pap test looks for changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer.
  • A HPV test used with a Pap test in women over 30 can better identify women at risk for cancer.
  • An HPV vaccine is now available to prevent 70% of cervical cancers.
  • Women should talk to their healthcare providers about the most advanced and appropriate technologies available for cervical cancer screening and immunization.