Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter joins the Cervical Cancer Task Force Along with the National Lieutenant Governors Association

Monday, Jan 22, 2007

 

Cervical Cancer Task Force Reveals Plan Highlighting Cervical Cancer Prevention, Detection and Treatment (January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month)

January 22, 2007; Little Rock, Ark. – In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, members of the Arkansas Cervical Cancer Task Force, along with officials from the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services and Representative Wilhelmina Lewellen, held a news conference in the Capitol Rotunda today to announce their plan for combating the effects of cervical cancer and making cervical cancer detection and treatment a priority in Arkansas.
In 2006, the American Cancer Society estimated 9,710 newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer in the United States, 3,700 of which resulting in death. From 1999-2003, Arkansas ranked fourth nationally in cervical cancer mortality; however, when diagnosed early, cervical cancer has a five-year survival rate of 92 percent. This means with the proper tools, such as those outlined by the Arkansas Cervical Cancer Task Force, cervical cancer is preventable and highly curable.
In 2005, Representative Wilhelminda Lewellen led the passage of Act 1414 by the Arkansas 85th General Assembly, creating the Arkansas Cervical Cancer Task Force (CCTF). The task force spent the past year conducting extensive research in order to develop its plan to educate Arkansansabout the importance of cervical cancer detection and treatment, as well as to inform the public about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its role in cervical cancer.
The task force’s plan proposes five recommendations to address cervical cancer in Arkansas:
• Close funding gaps for cervical cancer screening and follow-up for abnormal Pap test results
• Create funding for HPV vaccination as a preventative measure against cervical cancer
• Educate Arkansans about cervical cancer through a widespread public information campaign
• Provide professional education to health practitioners concerning the cervical cancer risks and barriers to care for Arkansas women
• Promote research on cervical cancer prevention and barriers to care for at-risk women in Arkansas
The Arkansas Cervical Cancer Task Force is comprised of twelve members appointed by the Director of the Division of Health. Members of the task force are: Deborah Biddle, representing the Arkansas Medical Dental and Pharmaceutical Association; Jennifer Dillaha, MD, representing the Division of Health; Tabitha Kinggard, representing the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care; Stella Nelson, representing Emergency Medical Services; Carolyn Patrick, representing the Division of Medical Services; Brenda Powell, MD, representing the Arkansas Medical Society; Bo Ryall, representing the Arkansas Hospital Association; Willa Sanders, representing the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health; Judy Smith, representing the Arkansas Minority Health Commission; Charlie Stayton, representing the community-at-large; and Janet Watson, representing the American Cancer Society.
Although there have been significant advancements made in the fight against cervical cancer with the discovery of the relationship between cervical cancer and the Human Papillomavirus and the resulting vaccine to prevent the majority of cervical cancers, the Pap test is still the single most

“Cervical Cancer Task Force Reveals Plan” page 3 of 3
effective tool in the early detection of cervical cancer. All women should receive an annual Pap test every year within three years of beginning sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21.
BreastCare provides free Pap tests and treatment, as well as breast cancer screening and treatment, for eligible Arkansas women who are 40 years of age or older. Women with no insurance or who are underinsured may be eligible for free services through BreastCare. To find out more, call 1-877-670-CARE or visit their website at www.ARBreastCare.com, or visit the Cervical Cancer Task Force website at http://www.arkansascancercoalition.org/cctf.html.
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