Make Cervical Cancer Screenings a Top Priority

Plan a Little, Prevent a Lot

Bismarck, ND – For many months, COVID-19 has taken priority in health care facilities. That, in combination with the public’s reservations about visiting their health care provider, has resulted in lower cervical cancer screening rates. Cancer screenings can and should be a top priority for those who are due for one.

“There’s no doubt that many women have delayed

their cervical cancer screening this year,” said Susan Mormann, Women’s Way Director for the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH). “While that’s understandable, cancer hasn’t simply gone away.”

Cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent. Estimates show that as many as 93% of cervical cancer cases are preventable through regular screenings like Pap tests and HPV screenings.

“The fact is, it’s safe to go to your local clinic for a screening and it may ultimately save your life to do so. There’s no question that early detection is your best protection against cervical cancer,” said Mormann. “By working with your health care provider, you can figure out which screening is right for you, when you should start getting tested and how often. Together you can make a plan that can ultimately prevent cervical cancer.” Plan a little. Prevent a lot.

Advocates from Women’s Way are available to discuss further the importance of cervical cancer screenings as well as how Women’s Way provides a way to pay for those screenings for eligible North Dakotans. Find out more about screening for cervical cancer, including options for financial help available by visiting Women’s Way (health.nd.gov/womensway), Medicaid Expansion (nd.gov/dhs/medicaidexpansion), and Marketplace insurance plans (healthcare.gov/ get-coverage/).

For more information about Women’s Way and the services they provide, visithealth. nd.gov/womens-way or call 701-328-3398 or 1-800-449-6636.