National Cancer Prevention Month is highlighted during the month of February, but preventing cancer is something that should become a part of daily lives because there are many effective prevention methods related to certain cancers. Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer related deaths for women in the United States, but due to [...]
Cancer is the leading cause of death in our state. According to the most recent data from the Arizona Cancer Registry, 11,642 Arizonans lost their lives to cancer in 2015. We offer several programs and public education campaigns to help raise awareness about cancer prevention, and to help people get screening and treatment for certain [...]
Preventing cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has just become easier. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published new recommendations for HPV vaccines so some teenagers can be fully vaccinated with two doses of HPV vaccine instead of three. The CDC now recommends a two dose HPV vaccine schedule for children [...]
As we come to a close on the first month of 2016, it is important to revisit the resolutions we set at the beginning of the year. One important way to stay healthy this year and for years to come is to get screened for cancer. For women, getting screened for cervical cancer is one [...]
This week, The Journal of Infectious Diseases published a study looking at the number of human papillomavirus infections in females before and after HPV vaccine was created (back in ’06). The study found impressive results: a 56% decrease in HPV since the vaccine was introduced in 2006 (among girls between 14-19 years old). This is a big deal [...]
It’s that time of year again. It is October, the pink ribbon shows up and you can find opportunities to buy just about anything created in pink; even small appliances. You know pink has truly taken hold when you see men at the gym wearing pink workout gear and football players wearing pink shoes. There [...]
More good news… starting last week- more uninsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer will be eligible to receive comprehensive treatment through Arizona’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (which is administered by AHCCCS). In the past, only women diagnosed through Well Woman HealthCheck were able to access treatment through the Program. The American Cancer [...]
The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week and it has been for 20 years. This year’s theme is The Road to Lifelong Health Begins with Breastfeeding. Those long-term benefits apply to both mothers and babies. When babies are fed human milk, they are more likely to avoid obesity, less likely to die from [...]
Issues regarding the vaccine that prevents infection with the human papillomavirus (also called HPV) have been in the news lately- so I thought I’d do a thumbnail sketch on it this week. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most people with HPV don’t have symptoms or health problems from it- and 90% of the time the [...]
Most of us are aware that the Well Woman HealthCheck increases screening for breast and cervical cancer. As part of our federal funding agreement for the program the CDC audits 100% of the services provided. Services are audited for appropriateness and timeliness- even the age of women receiving mammograms is audited for meeting guidelines. We submit [...]
