Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman are raising awareness about the risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer, as well as the importance of cancer screening during January, National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
“Don’t put your health on hold during this pandemic. Cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening and vaccination when detected early, it is also highly treatable,” said Neuhaus. “Health care facilities are providing cancer screening during the pandemic with all of the necessary safety precautions in place.”
According to Dr. Gelman, risk factors for cervical cancer include:
- Smoking
- Having multiple sex partners
- Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
- Using birth control pills for five or more years
“Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. Although the cervical cancer death rate has dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening, cervical cancer can still be deadly if not detected and treated,” Gelman said. “Early on, cervical cancer may not cause signs and symptoms. That’s why screening and vaccination are so important.”
Cervical cancer screening is an important part of overall gynecological health. The Orange County Cancer Screening Collaborative, comprised of the Orange County Department of Health, Cornerstone Health Center, Garnet Health Medical Center, Montefiore St. Luke’s Hospital, Bon Secours Community Hospital, St. Anthony Community Hospital, Planned Parenthood of the Hudson Valley, RECAP, Orange County Cancer Services, and Hudson River Healthcare, aims to move the conversation from awareness to action by increasing breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening rates in Orange County.
The Collaborative joined forces with the SUNY Orange Visual Communications and Graphic Arts Department to develop a unified awareness campaign to promote the availability of cervical cancer screenings in Orange County. Tyler Senkbeil designed the artwork chosen for the campaign.
For more information on cervical cancer, available screenings, or the Orange County Screening Collaborative, please call the Orange County Department of Health at 845-360-6680.
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