Cervical cancer was at one time one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in America, however over the last 30 years, the death rate has gone down by more than 50 percent. American Indians and Alaska Natives as a group were three times more likely to die of cervical cancer than members of other races due to late diagnoses.

These statistics have improved with more women getting screened. The screening for cervical cancer is a PAP test. This test can find changes in the cervix before the cancer develops. It also identifies cancer early when it is small and easiest to cure. Another way to prevent cervical cancer in the future is to have children vaccinated against HPV or human papilloma virus. The HPV virus causes most cases of cervical cancer. Routine cervical cancer screening should start at age 21. Please talk to your provider if you are a woman and over age 21 to schedule a time for a PAP.

Remember screening is the key to cancer prevention!!!

Southern Ute Health Center provides both PAP tests and HPV vaccinations. We are also offering incentives to women between the ages of 21 and 64 for getting screened! Come in for your PAP test and you will receive a gift certificate! These are being offered through a grant received from the state of Colorado to increase breast and cervical cancer screenings.

If you are uninsured and do not use Southern Ute Health Center, women can get free exams and PAPs through the Womens Wellness Connection Program at San Juan Basin Health Dept. They can be contacted at 970-247-5702.

You can make an appointment for your screening at Southern Ute Health Center at 970-563-4581.

REMEMBER THAT SCREENING IS THE KEY TO PREVENTION OF CANCER!