Florida Department of Health in Gulf County Encourages Cervical Cancer Prevention 

Contact:
Sarah Hinds, PIO
Sarah.Hinds@flhealth.gov
850-227-1276

Gulf County –The Florida Department of Health in Gulf County (DOH-Gulf) recognizes January as Cervical Cancer Awareness month. “Women and are encouraged to take action and take charge of their health,” said Marsha Lindeman, Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Gulf and
Franklin Counties. “It is important to speak with a medical provider about cervical cancer risks and what steps you can take to lower your risk.”

Cervical Cancer is the easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular Pap tests. Pap test looks for precancers, cell changes, on the cervix that can be treated, so that cervical cancer is prevented. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Talk to a medical provider about when a Pap test is most appropriate for you. In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, DOH-Gulf will participate in the following activities:
· Employee Health Fair, January 21, The Bridge at Port St. Joe
· Family Planning Health Booths, January 25-29, DOH-Gulf and Schools

The department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides breast and cervical cancer screenings to women ages 50-64 throughout  Florida, who are uninsured and at or below the poverty level. The program has 16 lead sites that cover all counties in Florida. For more information about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/cancer/breast-cancer/bccedp.html

About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook.

For more information about the Florida Department ofHealth please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.