'Ending Cervical Cancer in our Lifetime'National Lieutenant Governors Association
COLORADO
Three press releases - scroll down to see all
'Ending Cervical Cancer in our Lifetime'
National Lieutenant Governors Association
COLORADO
Three press releases - scroll down to see all
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Susan C. Smith
January 4, 2007 303-241-1497
COLORADO DECLARES JANUARY CERVICAL CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
State officials outline preventive and support services for women
(DENVER) - As part of a statewide public awareness
campaign, Lt. Governor Jane Norton, Lt. Governor-elect Barbara O’Brien, and
other state leaders declared January “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month” on
Tuesday, January 4, 2007. Through official proclamation, issued by Governor
Bill Owens, collaborative efforts designed to educate the public on the
preventable nature of cervical cancer were outlined during a press conference
held on the west steps of the Capitol.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 9,700 women will be diagnosed
with cervical cancer this year. In Colorado, an average of 150 Colorado women
are diagnosed each year with cervical cancer. As a result, 41 Coloradans will
die from cervical cancer every year. Cervical cancer can usually be prevented
if women are screened regularly with the Pap test. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV)
causes 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases. Most
sexually active adults will be infected with HPV at some point in their life.
There are many types of HPV spread by skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.
HPV causes no symptoms and usually goes away on its own. However, high-risk HPV,
which stays in the body a period of years, can cause cervical cancer. The HPV
causes cells to change leading to cancer. Cervical cancer can be
prevented and cured by removing the abnormal cells before they become
cancerous. A Pap test can detect the abnormal cells.
“By helping people make the connection between the virus and the cancer, there
is a real opportunity to end cervical cancer,” said Norton. As part
of the public awareness campaign that is based on early detection through
screenings, Norton and Dr. Jillian Jacobelis outlined resources available
through the state to assist women in preventing cervical cancer. Jacobelis
explained that the Colorado Women’s Cancer Control Initiative provides free
cervical and breast cancer screening for uninsured or underinsured Colorado
women with limited income who are 40 years of age or older. In addition,
screenings are available at many sites throughout Colorado. The Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environments’ Family Planning Programs provides
Pap tests (sliding fee scale) through 66 sites throughout Colorado. For more
information on cervical cancer screenings, please call toll-free: 1.866.692.2600
or your local health department.
What began during Norton’s role as chair of the National Lieutenant Governors
Association (NLGA) when she introduced, and was instrumental in the passage of,
a resolution from the organization to launch this national public education
campaign, is now a reality across the state. Colorado is one of ten pilot
states chosen to participate in this national effort, circulating thousands of
cervical cancer educational packets provided by a grant through the
organization. “The NLGA is working hand in hand with state leaders to “End
Cervical Cancer in our Lifetime,” said Lt. Governor Norton. “Given these facts
and the fact that cervical cancer is almost preventable, I felt it was important
to be part of this campaign.”
Perhaps the most powerful example of the critical role cervical cancer
screenings play in protecting the health of Colorado’s women was the story of
cancer survivor Lori Burley. This beaming young mother who had once been
diagnosed with cervical cancer is now a tireless advocate for preventive
screenings. A true hero who was determined to fight to survive, Burley took
charge of her future and became a stronger woman as a result. Following her
battle with cancer, she was able to realize her dream of being a mother and now
she helps educate other women about early detection through preventive
screenings. ###
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susan C. Smith
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
(303) 866-3125
MEDIA ADVISORY
STATE LEADERS TO DECLARE JANUARY “CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH “
Lt. Governor Norton to host press conference to heighten public awareness
(Denver) –On Thursday, January 4th, Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton will host a
Cervical Cancer Awareness Press Conference on the west steps of the State
Capitol, officially declaring January “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.” Norton
will be joined by other state officials, including incoming Lt. Governor-elect
Barbara O’Brien, in launching this important public awareness campaign.
As the immediate past chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA),
Norton introduced and was instrumental in passing a resolution from the
organization to launch this national public education campaign. Colorado is one
of ten pilot states chosen to participate in this effort.
What: Colorado Cervical Cancer Public Awareness Campaign Press
Conference
When: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 4, 2007
Where: Colorado State Capitol, West Steps 200 East Colfax,
Denver, CO
Who: The Colorado Cervical Cancer Public Awareness Press Conference will
include Lt. Governor Jane Norton, Lt. Governor-elect Barbara O-Brien, the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the University of
Colorado Cancer Center.
Why: As part of a statewide public awareness campaign, Lt. Governor Jane
Norton will issue the Governor’s Proclamation declaring January Cervical Cancer
Awareness Month, providing a variety of display tables with important
information and resources provided by state and local partners.
Press Release #2: August, 2006....NLGA Chair Announces NLGA Cervical
Cancer Campaign (pdf with picture)