May 9-15 is National Women's Health Week

Cancer Prevention and Screening

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health in celebrating National Women’s Health Week May 9 – 15 to call attention to the importance of women’s health. The theme of this year’s National Women’s Health Week is “It’s Your Time” and encourages women to take the time to live a healthier, happier and longer life.  Every day this week, KDHE will distribute topical news releases geared towards women’s health.

In support of National Women’s Health Week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) challenges women to get the appropriate cancer screenings.

“Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Kansas and breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, other than skin cancer,” said Roderick Bremby, KDHE Secretary.

KDHE encourages breast and cervical cancer screening for all women. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year. An estimated 40,170 women are expected to die from the disease in 2009 alone. An estimated 4,070 women died from cervical cancer in the U.S. last year.

“One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of dying from cervical or breast cancer is to detect it early.  The way to do this is through regular screening,” said Patrice O’Hara, Manager of the Kansas Cancer Prevention and Control Program at KDHE.

KDHE promotes breast and cervical cancer screening for all women and provides services for age appropriate, low income, uninsured women through its Early Detection Works program. An estimated 27,000 women in Kansas between the ages of 40 and 64 are eligible for this program, which serves about 6,000 women each year. The program provides clinical breast exams, mammograms through a network of providers across the state. Should breast cancer be diagnosed through this program, Medicaid through the Federal Treatment Act pays for treatment. For more information about the program, visit www.preventionworkskansas.com . Women seeking these services may call toll free 1-877-277-1368 to see if they qualify.

“The appropriate screenings and a healthy lifestyle can help in reducing your risk of cancer,” said Dr. Jason-Eberhart-Phillips, State Health Officer and Director of Health for KDHE. “Get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week.  Eat a nutritious diet including lots of fruits and veggies.  Avoid risky behaviors, such as smoking.”  

The good news in Kansas is that 74 percent of Kansas women report having had a mammogram in the past two years and 82 percent of Kansas women report having had a Pap test in the past three years. However, rates of breast cancer screening are significantly lower for Hispanics, those with less than a high school education and those with annual incomes less than $15,000. And, rates of cervical cancer screening (Pap test) are significantly lower for those with a disability, African-Americans, those with less than a high school education, and those with annual incomes less than $15,000.

For more information on cancer in Kansas go to www.cancerkansas.org.

For more information on National Women’s Health Week visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw/.