For people without insurance, or who have insurance but have to pay out-of-pocket for additional tests, program may be able to help

For more information, contact Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer at kpapich@srhd.org or (509) 324-1539

SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is leveraging the month of January to remind the community that cervical cancer is a profound health equity issue, that is to say that not everyone has equal access to services and treatment. This is also an opportunity for SRHD to spread the word about access to free screening and diagnostic services.

Said Donna Oliver, SRHD’s Breast Cervical and Colon Cancer Program (BCCHP) manager, “Cervical cancer is linked strongly with poverty and lack of access to medical care, a fact all the more frustrating because screening tests like Pap and HPV tests, and vaccines, exist that give us the capacity to essentially eliminate the disease.”

Access to these life-saving tools is crucial and BCCHP has staff and monies to help. Qualifying women*, ages 40 to 64, may be eligible for free cervical tests under the program. As well, provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) require insurance plans to cover women’s health exams and Pap tests at zero cost to women.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that infect the skin. Some types of genital HPV are linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix (detected through Pap tests) that can lead to cervical cancer. Being vaccinated before exposure to the virus helps protect women against cervical cancer and the precancerous lesions that precede it. Early detection is important also—regular Pap tests help detect any precancerous or abnormal cells early enough so that cervical cancer can be prevented. Together vaccination and screening can save lives and suffering. Ensuring greater access to these tests and vaccines is not only the right thing to do, but also a wise, efficient way to spend health care dollars.

Continued Oliver, “Providing access to medical care is only part of the job, though, and much work remains to be done with educating both the public and health professionals alike.” Oliver explained that it is also important for a woman to have ongoing conversations with her health care team.

There are ways to prevent cervical cancer too. HPV vaccines, which are available for both males and females, are covered by the vast majority of health insurance plans. Additionally, the Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines for eligible children through age 18, including the uninsured, under-insured, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

For those who choose to be sexually active, condoms may lower the risk of HPV. Women may also want to consider minimizing risk factors that could contribute to cervical cancer. Those factors include:

• Smoking
• Multiple sexual partners
• Sexual intercourse at an early age
• Chlamydia infection
• Weakened immune system or HIV infection

Concluded Oliver, “Broader communication is also needed here—sexual health conversations with our health care team, our partner and our kids often get side-tracked. These talks are usually rushed or avoided altogether. But when it comes to sexual and reproductive health we should be comfortable in our own skin, and have the confidence to seek the care and support we need.”
 
American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) offers its guide, Ten Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider about Sexual Health, as a great place to start the conversation with a health care provider. 
 
The U.S. Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. During January, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) and its many local chapters across the country highlight issues related to cervical cancer, HPV disease and the importance of early detection. While NCCC chapters host events throughout the year, January is a month with a special focus as chapters celebrate Cervical Health Awareness Month and work to spread the word in communities. 
 
For more information visit the ASHA or NCCC web sites. Free cancer screening information for residents can be found on the health district’s page at http://www.srhd.org/services/bcchp.asp, or at www.srhd.org. Or call BCCHP at (509) 324-1553 or toll free (888) 461.8876. SRHD’s web site offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. You can also follow SRHD on Twitter @spokanehealth.

*Specific to cervical health, BCCHP provides eligible women and men with free health exams, screenings, limited diagnostic testing and education, and access to treatment in nine eastern Washington counties—Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Orielle, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman.
 
Cervical Cancer Screenings are available to women who:

• Are 40-64 years of age
• Have limited income
• Are uninsured (do not qualify for Washington Apple Health) or underinsured (insurance that does not completely cover women’s health care services, or have an insurance plan that requires a deductible or co-payment that she cannot afford)
• Live in Washington state

The free women’s health exam may include a pelvic exam, pap test, diagnostic tests and access to treatment. Examinations are provided by contracted providers throughout eastern Washington.