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Recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and commending the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter for their work promoting awareness about cervical cancer.
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WHEREAS, Each year, over 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer among women, and it is known to be one of the most preventable cancers; and
WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, "All women are at risk for cervical cancer." Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over the age of 30; and
WHEREAS, Cervical cancer is mainly caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse; and
WHEREAS, Most women having cervical cancer show no signs or symptoms in the early stages, but cervical cancer can have a major impact on a woman's reproductive function if found in the later stages; and
WHEREAS, When found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Most importantly, the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening; and
WHEREAS, Organizations such as the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the importance of early detection in treating cervical cancer with regular Pap tests for prevention; and
WHEREAS, The Pap test and the HPV test can be done in a doctor's office or clinic. Most insurance plans cover preventive services, including the Pap test, without a copay. However, many people with a low income or without health insurance may be unaware of the resources available or may be unable to access them; and
WHEREAS, From 2012 to 2016 in Philadelphia, there were 437 new cases of cervical cancer. For every 100,000 women, 11 cases were repo...
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