Resources -
Statistics and Facts:
Each year approximately 11,070 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed. Each year approximately 3,780 women die of cervical cancer. World wide cervical cancer is the number 2 killer of women. Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are 250 known strains of the virus, but it is believed only 2 strains cause 70% of all cervical cancer. Early detection is key in survival rates for those diagnosed with cervical cancer. If detected early there is a 72% survival rate.
In the next 30 days 1,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. In the next 30 days 300 women will pass away from cervical cancer.
Risk Factors:
There are a number of factors that may increase a woman's chance of developing cervical cancer. They include but are not limited to: HPV infection, lack of regular Pap tests, weakened immune system, age, sexual history, smoking cigarettes, using birth control pills for an extended period of time (5 years or more), having many children.
Signs and Symptoms:
Vaginal bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam, menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier, bleeding after menopause. Other signs include increased vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. If you are or have experienced these symptoms it is important to see your doctor immediately.
You can read about the warning signs Sybil experienced by visiting our history page and reading her thoughts as she journeyed through cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Annual Screening:
Yearly pap smears are critical to early diagnosis of cervical cancer. If you are cannot afford your yearly physical please visit: Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) for cervical cancer screenings for low-income or under insured women at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/womenshealth/wwwp/
Treatment:
If you have received the diagnosis of cervical cancer and you are under insured or low-income please contact Wisconsin Well Woman Medicaid to see if you qualify for their assistance programs. http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/womenshealth/wwwp/
Education:
The National Cervical Cancer public education campaign is a great
source for answers to all the questions you may have. Visit their
website and learn how to prevent, detect, treat and fight this terrible disease.
Bracnow
Information regarding genetic testing for the BRAC gene that is linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Online test for risk factors relating to breast and ovarian cancer and information about how this test can help determine if you are are risk.
Recent TV Commericals regarding Cervical Cancer
Links to financial resources for women's health assistance.
Local -
MSZ Foundation
The Marti Spittell-Ziegelbauer Foundation provides funding to receive free reproductive cancer care for low-income or underinsured women who cannot afford these necessary medical tests.
Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health
The Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health (WAWH) is an independent, statewide network of organizations dedicated to broadening the base of awareness and support for reproductive health as a critical component of women's health in Wisconsin.
Fox Cities Community Health Center
Their mission is to create a vibrant community through health care access and quality service delivery to the underserved. Discounted or free service is offered to women who meet income criteria in Outagamie, Winnebago, or Calumet County.
National -
QIAGEN
QIAGEN provides the digene® HPV Test. For more information on go to thehpvtest.com.
GARDASIL
Gardasil is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. Gardasil is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26.
GARDASIL provides financial assistance through the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program. Read more at: www.gardasil.com/what-is-gardasil/hpv-and-gardasil/assistance-programs/index.html
CERVARIX
Like Gardasil, Cervarix is a human papillomavirus or HPV vaccine that can protect women against cervical cancer that is caused by certain types of HPV infections. Cervarix provides protection against infection with HPV subtypes 16 and 18, which cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. It may also provide protection against other strains of HPV, including types 45 and 31, which can also cause cervical cancer.
The Partnership to End Cervical Cancer
The Partnership to End Cervical Cancer (PECC) is a broad-based coalition of nearly 40 established organizations and individuals with the resources and expertise to reach women throughout the United States. Members comprise medical and public health experts with the ability to affect public health behavior and policy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For over 60 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been dedicated to protecting health and promoting quality of life through the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability. The (CDC) offers online information on Cervical Cancer.