The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is offering free phone calls with cervical cancer specialists Jan. 18./ Contributed photo
DERBY - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is offering free one-on-one phone calls with cervical cancer specialists by appointment from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 18.
Griffin’s cancer experts will help individuals gain a better understanding of their personal cervical cancer risk.
Participants will benefit from trusted information to help them understand risk factors, explore lifestyle enhancements to lower risk, discuss screening options, and create a personal screening timeline. If needed, participants will be able to make an appointment for a cervical cancer test.
Appointment spaces are limited. Call 203-732-1260 to reserve your time to speak with a Griffin Health cancer expert or for more information.
Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, which connects the vagina to the upper part of the uterus.
Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
This preventive health event is part of Griffin’s commitment to help improve the health and well-being of its community. According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women with about 4,280 women dying from cervical cancer each year. To help protect women in its community, Griffin is actively encouraging women to understand their risk factors and to be screened for cervical cancer when appropriate.
Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex.
At least half of sexually active women will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few will get cervical cancer.
The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The American Cancer Society recommends cervical cancer screening with an HPV test alone every 5 years for women from age 25 until age 65. If HPV testing alone is not available, women can get screened with an HPV/Pap co-test every five years or a Pap test every three years.
Early on, cervical cancer may not cause signs and symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for each particular woman, such as bleeding after sex. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
