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Updated: 11:33 AM Jan 11, 2008
Martha Jefferson HealthWise--January 9th
January marks cervical cancer screening month and health care workers are spreading the word about the importance of receiving a PAP test.
Posted: 10:37 AM Jan 11, 2008 |
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This year it is expected that 11,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Dr. Gwen Kelly, a Gynecologist with Martha Jefferson, explains that a PAP test is the first line of defense in preventing cervical cancer. This is the single most effective screening in all of medicine. All adult women should receive this test, but not everyone is doing it. Women who are susceptible to the following risk factors should be most inclined to be checked regularly. The biggest risk factor is the HPV virus,which is the leading cause for cervical cancer. This is a sexually transmitted disease and can be prevented through abstinence or treatment.
There has been a major development in the HPV vaccine, Gardasil. It is being hailed by both the medical and political fields as one of the biggest break-throughs in preventing cervical cancer. Other than abstinence before marriage, the vaccine is one of the most succussful ways of preventing a cervical cancer diagnosis.
Don’t wait until your family needs a doctor to find one. Martha Jefferson Hospital has more than 300 affiliated physicians representing more than 35 specialties. Click Here to find one that matches your needs.
Martha Jefferson Hospital supports your right to make decisions about your future medical care. We want to know your wishes so we can provide the care you desire. We never know when an accident or serious illness will leave us incapable of making our own health care decisions. For peace of mind, it is important to think about and talk about your values and wishes for medical care and to put those wishes in writing. Download the Advance Directives form by clicking here.
MJH Calendar of Events:
Each quarter Martha Jefferson Hospital holds more than 75 informational classes focusing on everyday health, help for diabetes, women’s health, health for seniors, and family centered maternity care. We also have free support groups to help new mothers, patients and families affected by cancer and those struggling to get a good night’s sleep. The calendar is searchable by week, month and year or by keyword. Click Here to find a class to help you. If you don’t see a class that meets your health needs call Health Connection at 434-982-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663 and ask to see if you qualify for a free consultation with a community health specialist.
Health Connection:
Register for classes, find a doctor and learn about our community education programs and health screenings by calling 434-982-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663.
