Johnston Memorial Cancer Center offers free cervical screenings

1/17/2011

ABINGDON, Va. – In recognition of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the Johnston Memorial Cancer Center will be offering free cervical screenings on Jan. 26, 2011.

“A cervical screening, often called a Pap smear, is one of the most reliable cancer screening tests available,” said Terry Smith, director of cancer center services at the Johnston Memorial Cancer Center. “A cervical screening can also detect other medical conditions, such as infection and inflammation.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most invasive cervical cancers are found in women who have not had regular cervical screenings. However, cervical cancer is easy to prevent and easy to treat successfully if found early.

The CDC recommends that women begin annual cervical screenings at age 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active, whichever happens first. Women 30 years old or older with normal cervical screenings or who have had a hysterectomy might be advised by a physician to stop annual cervical screenings or receive them less than once per year.

Free cervical screenings will be offered between noon and 7 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2011, at the Johnston Memorial Cancer Center, 26079 Lee Highway, Abingdon. Appointments are required and are open to community members and Mountain States Health Alliance team members 21 or older. Please call 276-739-2273

to make an appointment.

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