Cervical Cancer Can Be Prevented

Cancer Services Program Offers Free Screening

(Binghamton, N.Y.)- During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this January, the Southern Tier Cancer Services Program (CSP) is reminding women aged 21 and older to get screened for cervical cancer. Unlike other cancers, screening can prevent cervical cancer. Screening tests can find the cells that lead to cancer. These cells can be removed before cancer starts. Screening can also find cancer early when it may be easier to treat. Cervical cancer does not usually cause symptoms when it first starts, which makes regular screening the key to finding it early.

Data from the New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System shows that New Yorkers without health insurance, a regular health care provider, a college degree, or those with incomes lower than $50,000 are less likely to report being screened for cervical cancer following recommended guidelines¹.

"The CSP works to remove barriers to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening," said Maggie Gareca, Outreach Coordinator. "We provide free cancer screening to eligible people aged 40 and older who do not have health insurance and who live in Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Chemung, and Schuyler counties. The CSP also helps people find a health care provider if they don't already have one. If cancer is found, we help our clients afford follow up treatments."

"Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21, but the risk for cervical cancer increases with age. We encourage people with a cervix not to delay their screening, talk to their doctor, or call the Cancer Services Program at 607-778-3900 to see if you are eligible for free cancer screenings," said Gareca.

The Cancer Services Program is funded by the New York State Department of Health. For more information about risk factors for cervical cancer, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/cervical/

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1. New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Cervical Cancer Screening New York State Adult Females ages 21-65, 2020, https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/brfss/reports/docs/2022-01_brfss_c…