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Cervical cancer is preventable

To the editor:

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and the Cancer Services Program of Franklin and Essex Counties wants to raise awareness that cervical cancer is preventable! Regular screening is key to finding abnormal cells early so they can be treated before they turn into cancer. Our program can help you get screened even if you have no insurance.

According to the latest New York State data (2014), about 8 out of 10 women age 21 to 65 years have been screened for cervical cancer in the past three years. While this is great news, the data also show that women without health insurance are significantly less likely to be screened (64 percent) compared to those with health insurance (86 percent).

The CSP offers free cervical cancer screening to eligible uninsured women ages 40 and older. Our program also provides free breast and colon cancer screening to eligible New York state residents. Call 518-891-4471 ext. 3016 today to find out if you qualify for free cancer screenings.

Municipalities offer paid time off for some cancer screenings, and some businesses are starting to do the same. The CSP encourages businesses to look at ways that they may be able to offer this benefit for their eligible employees. We also encourage employees to use this benefit to obtain their cancer screenings if it is offered.

You can prevent cervical cancer with the right test at the right time! Get tested!

Sarah Granquist

Program coordinator

CSP of Franklin and Essex Counties

Saranac Lake

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