Health news this week...

January was National Cervical Cancer Screening month and even though we've turned the calender...it is still a great idea...

Here is Perry Olson with this week's Eye on Health.

Why a Pap Smear is so important for women is very basic...

"We want to prevent cervical cancer which is one of the most prevenable cancers out there."


And the way to prevent it...is simple too...the proceedure known as a pap smear.

"Pap smears will show abnormal cells and those are the pre-cancerous lesions so a woman does not have to have cancer as long as she comes in on a regular basis."


Dr. Billings says the cases of cervical cancer he finds usually occur in women who have foregone a papsmear for years...

"They are afraid that it might hurt or afraid to see the doctor. If we can prevent them from having this disease, the small amount of discomfort that happens with a Pap smear should be minimal for them."


All sexually active women should have a yearly papsmear to be in the clear...but there is another tool now available to doctors...

"A vaccine against HPV which is the virus that we know can cause cervical cancer."


That is Gardasil given to women from age nine to 26. Whatever the defense against cervical cancer...be it vaccine, or a one yearly papsmear the key is to get it done and keep this extreamly preventable cancer away from you. With your Eye on Health, Perry Olson, KX News.

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