The beginning of a new school year is a time of change, renewal, and excitement after the slower pace of summer. For busy women trying to fit a myriad of responsibilities into their schedules, thinking about the need for an annual PAP exam may not be top of their list.

DENIAL IS A POWERFUL THING
Awareness campaigns for cancers help remind us that we should always be vigilant when it comes to listening to our bodies and taking the time necessary for the regular care and maintenance it takes to do our part to stay healthy. Gynecological cancers, including cervical cancer (now benefiting from recent prevention breakthroughs), are particularly affected by prevention and screening measures that can mean the difference between a curable or life-threatening diagnosis.

LEARN AND CONNECT
There are several excellent resources for women who are interested in learning more about specifics on all gynecological cancers and your healthcare provider is the first step to meeting about your specific education needs. In addition there are many excellent online resources and online support networks for those who are looking to join a community of others sharing the same journey toward survivorship.

JOIN GILDA’S CLUBHOUSE
Gilda’s Place has been a valuable resource for women with ovarian cancer since it was created in memory of comedian and Saturday Night Live regular, Gilda Radner. The Clubhouses in particular are a commitment to creating warm and welcoming places for women to gather in person, and for those who are geographically isolated from other survivors, their new service, The Living Room, will be starting an online version later this year.

COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY CANCER
The National Cervical Cancer Coalition celebrates its 12th Anniversary this year and their goal is to increase screening not only for the 11% of women in the U.S. who still do not get regular, life-saving screenings but for women throughout the world. Like many organizations, their outreach is now looking toward the 85% of cases that occur in developing countries, estimated at 253,000 deaths per year. Support for these organizations helps those of us at home and abroad. Cervical cancer is one of the few with proven preventative measures: The HPV Vaccine still remains underutilized and many of the deaths oversees could benefit from educational outreach.

For more resources online, please check out our ovarian cancer, cervical cancer links in the PRC. And if you haven’t scheduled yours yet, please have your annual PAP test. The life you save could be yours.