INDIANAPOLIS—As Hoosiers begin making positive changes in 2013,
State health officials encourage women to get regular screenings
for cervical cancer as part of any New Year's resolution to be
healthier. Each year, approximately 12,000 women in the United
States get cervical cancer. From 2004 to 2008, 1,290 Hoosier
women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 425 women died of
cervical cancer in Indiana. January is Cervical Health Awareness
Month and highlights the importance of women to get regular
screenings, such as a Pap test. “A Pap test can diagnose
cervical cancer in its early, most treatable stages,” said State
Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D. “It’s important to get
this screening as the majority of cases of cervical cancers are
beatable if found early.” The American Cancer Society recommends
that all women begin having regular Pap tests at age 21. Some
women, because of their history, may need to have a different
screening schedule for cervical cancer. It is important to talk
to your doctor t