September—Gynecological Cancer Month

The NEA Health Information Network is Raising Awareness about the Prevention of Gynecological Cancer

In recognition of Gynecological Cancer Month, the NEA Health Information Network (NEA HIN) recommends that you take the following steps to protect your health and the health of those you care about:

• Get the Facts. NEA HIN and several partner organizations have produced free resources to help you make informed decisions about preventing, detecting, or treating gynecologic cancers:
  • Our new booklet, Talking About Cervical Cancer Prevention, is available for download at www.neahin.org, or send an e-mail to Jamie Ekatomatis to request copies.
  • Actress Fran Drescher, herself a uterine cancer survivor, has launched Cancer Schmancer at www.cancerschmancer.org. Her efforts aim to ensure that all women's cancers are diagnosed in stage one, when most curable.
  • Developed by the Gynecological Cancer Foundation for women and their families, the Women's Cancer Network helps you assess your risk, provides background information, and offers support to cancer survivors. Go to www.wcn.org.
  
  
• Make an Appointment. It is important for you to get regular gynecologic exams, which should include a pelvic exam, Pap test, breast exam, and, if you are over 30, an HPV (human papillomavirus) test. Annual mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40. Also, talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine, available for girls and young women ages 9–26.
  
  
• Spread the Word. NEA HIN has developed a series of new lesson plans on adolescent vaccination and sexual health for teachers of middle and high school classes in Health, Life Science, and History. HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer, is highly preventable through vaccination before the onset of sexual activity. Find the Teen Sexual Health and Vaccine Education lesson plans online at www.neahin.org or send an e-mail to Jamie Ekatomatis