Humboldt Community Breast Health Project Honors National Cancer Awareness Month

TRT Staff

In honor of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project would like to recognize local medical providers who provide free pap tests to income-eligible women.

Pap tests are used to screen for changes to the cells of the cervix caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems. But, sometimes certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent curable. This is why woman should begin having routine Pap tests at the age of 21 and every one to three years thereafter depending on the results and other personal factors.

A vaccine for HPV is available and recommended for woman ages 9 through 26. Women whose incomes are at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level can receive free cervical cancer screening through programs known as Family PACT (FPACT) and Cancer Detection Program: Every woman counts (CDP:EWC) Here is a list of a just a few of a long list of local providers who participate in these programs: K’ima:w Medical Center in Hoopa (530) 625-4261, Six Rivers Planned Parenthood in Eureka (707) 442-5700, Six Rivers Medical Center in Willow Creek (530) 629-3116 and United Indian Health Services in Arcata (Native Americans only) (707) 825-5000. Call and make an appointment today.

For more information contact the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project, a local organization supporting women with breast and gynecologic cancer concerns at 707-825-8345 or visit their website at www.hcbhp.org.

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