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Women In Government's Cervical Cancer Campaign Highlighted at Major Health Conference

Posted on: Tuesday, 25 April 2006, 09:01 CDT

WASHINGTON, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Women In Government's Challenge to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Campaign was highlighted yesterday at the sixth International Multidisciplinary Congress of the European Research Organization on Genital Infection and Neoplasia (EUROGIN), underscoring the non-profit, bi-partisan organization's leadership role in fighting this preventable cancer. The event, held this week in Paris, France, features leading researchers, public health officials and advocates from around the world.

Susan Crosby, Women In Government president, presented the organization's cervical cancer initiative, which has led to bills and resolutions targeting cervical cancer elimination introduced in 45 states, with such measures enacted in 39 states, since it was launched in 2004.

"Experts now know that cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. With the development of preventive vaccines and more sophisticated diagnostic screening, such as HPV testing, we are on the threshold of an incredible era in which cervical cancer can be eliminated," said Ms. Crosby. "Having new technologies, however, is not enough. Our Campaign is helping to ensure that women are educated about the need for screening and that they all have access to advanced and appropriate prevention strategies -- regardless of their socioeconomic status." Ms. Crosby noted that legislative initiatives have included creating statewide cervical cancer elimination task forces, requiring health insurers to cover new FDA-approved technologies, and declaring statewide cervical cancer awareness days.

The executive committee of Women In Government's board of directors will also participate in the organization's "Women's Healthcare Leadership Solutions International Exchange" with European women's healthcare leaders at the European Union in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting will enable Women In Government members to discuss common women's health policy issues -- such as cervical cancer elimination -- and share best practices.

"Women In Government is the leading resource in the United States for helping women state legislators learn about complex policy challenges, such as cervical cancer prevention, and share legislative strategies in order to effect positive change -- particularly with important women's health issues," said Maryland State Senator Gloria Lawlah, Chair of Women In Government's Board. "We are pleased to expand this model beyond the U.S. and form similar ties with our European counterparts."

About Cervical Cancer

Worldwide, cervical cancer kills almost a quarter-million women each year, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). In the United States, cervical cancer rates have decreased significantly over the last 60 years due to widespread use of the Pap test. Still, the American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 10,000 new cases in U.S. women will be diagnosed this year.

Research shows that the Pap test's ability to detect cervical cancer or its early signs ranges from approximately 50 percent to 85 percent, depending upon the type of Pap test used. The FDA recently approved a new screening test for HPV infections, which, when used in conjunction with a Pap in women age 30 and older, increases the accuracy of the Pap to almost 100 percent. If the FDA approves an HPV vaccine and it were widely used, it could contribute significantly to the reduction of cervical cancer worldwide.

Approximately 20 million people are currently infected with HPV, with 6.2 million new infections occurring annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 80 percent of sexually active women will be infected with HPV by age 50, the CDC reports. For 90 percent of infected women, the virus is naturally cleared by the body and becomes undetectable within two years. However, persistent infection with "high-risk" types of HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer. These types of HPV, which sometimes stay dormant in the body for years, can cause cell changes on the cervix that can ultimately become cancerous.

About Women In Government

Women In Government is a national, 501(c)(3), non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues. For more information, visit http://www.womeningovernment.org/.

Women In Government

CONTACT: Tracy Morris, +1-650-473-1272, or tracy@morrismarcom.com, forWomen In Government

Web site: http://www.womeningovernment.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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