State Rep. Sente urges cervical cancer awareness

In hopes of raising awareness of January as Cervical Health Awareness Month, State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) is urging women to take early prevention steps to help reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer.

"Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, but with proper preventive measures, a woman can reduce her risk significantly," said Sente. "We must educate women on the importance of regular exams and treatments that could ultimately save their lives."

Cervical cancer develops out of HPV (human papillomavirus), which is currently undiagnosed in almost 80 million Americans. Through regular health screenings and the HPV vaccine, risk of developing cervical cancer is very low. Earlier this year, Sente supported legislation that would fully fund the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. This program is vital in assisting low-income women by providing free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests to women between the ages of 35 and 64 who are uninsured or underinsured, thereby saving thousands of lives.

"As the budget impasse continues, I will continue to fight for a balanced resolution to our financial crisis that does not put vulnerable populations at risk," Sente said.

"These women are more than just numbers, they are mothers, daughters and sisters who deserve to have access to lifesaving treatment."