Planned Parenthood of Southern New England Recognizes National Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
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For Immediate Release: Sept. 5, 2019
PPSNE encourages regular wellness exams, check-ups and screenings to prevent cancer
(New Haven, Conn.) – September is National Ovarian Cancer and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) encourages women of all ages to schedule a preventive health screening. We encourage people to know the symptoms and signs of ovarian and gynecologic cancers and to visit their health care provider for regular wellness exams and screenings to ensure early detection and treatment.
“Preventive screenings, including Pap tests, along with regular check-ups and wellness exams are some of the most effective ways to detect problems early and help keep you healthy,” said Dr. Timothy Spurrell, Medical Director of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. “Our health care providers are reproductive health experts—we’re here to provide high-quality, unbiased services and information for anyone who needs care.”
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. About 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019, and approximately 14,000 will die from the disease. In Connecticut, ovarian cancer is diagnosed in 3% of women. Additionally, more than 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. and around 4,250 will die from the disease.
Anyone with a vagina, uterus, and ovaries can develop a gynecologic cancer. A Pap test is recommended at age 21, and then again every three years to five years (depending on age) for both women and transgender men. Pap tests allow health care providers to find precancerous cell changes and treat them before cancer develops. A health care provider can answer questions and clear up any confusion about how often you should receive a Pap test or any other preventive cancer screening.
Last year, 78,000 patients relied on Planned Parenthood of Southern New England for accessible, high-quality care. More than 90 percent of services are preventive – including life-saving breast and cervical cancer screenings, testing and treatment for STI/STDs, birth control, and wellness exams. For convenience, online, walk-in, and same day appointments are available. To make an appointment or for more information, visit ppsne.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526).