January 11, 2010 – HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States and is recognized as the leading cause of cervical cancer. About 80 percent of women in the United States will have an HPV infection in their lifetimes. Some of those infections lead to cervical cancer, making routine cervical cancer screening, which may include Pap and HPV testing, important in detecting this preventable disease early.
The global women’s health initiative to raise awareness and provide donations for women who lack access to cervical cancer screening, organizers of “Promise to Me” announced today the expansion of the program for funding cervical cancer screening for women in need. For every person who makes the promise to get screened and passes it on, Hologic, a diagnostics, medical imaging systems and surgical products manufacturer dedicated to serving women’s health, will donate funds to support preventative screening for underinsured and uninsured women.
In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Hologic is partnering with the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) to fund cervical cancer screening for women in need. For every person that “makes the promise” and passes it on through the Promise to Me website, Hologic will donate $1 towards healthcare for women.
“Most women who develop cervical cancer haven’t been routinely screened,” said Edward Evantash, M.D., medical director and vice president of Medical Affairs at Hologic. “The Promise to Me initiative will help provide screening to those without access while also raising awareness about cervical cancer. Education about cervical cancer – and other women’s health issues – is critical to improving the health and wellbeing of women.”
For more information: www.promisetome.com