FOR RELEASE: January 19, 2006
CONTACT: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

Oklahoma Women Encouraged to Get Tested for Cervical Cancer

Each year, about 200 Oklahoma women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 60 women in this state will die from the disease. Currently, Oklahoma ranks 12th in the nation for cervical cancer deaths. These sobering statistics make January’s National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month observance particularly relevant for women in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages all women who have never had a Pap test, and those who have not had a Pap test in five or more years, to contact their healthcare provider and schedule a Pap test today.

“With routine screening using the Pap test, pre-cancerous conditions are detected and treated early, making cervical cancer almost totally preventable,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mike Crutcher.

The OSDH Take Charge! Program provides no-cost Pap tests to Oklahoma women who meet the following guidelines:

• Women who are 50 to 64 years of age.
• Women who have not had a Pap test in five or more years.
• Women who are not covered by private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, or who have a high unmet deductible.
• Women who are low income (income is at 185 percent of poverty level).

To see if you qualify for the Take Charge! Program, call 1-800-4Cancer and speak to a cancer information specialist.

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