Alcee Hastings: “I rise today before you and my colleagues in support of H. Con. Res. 309, which recognizes the importance of good…”

“I rise today before you and my colleagues in support of H. Con. Res. 309, which recognizes the importance of good cervical health and its early detection. Cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent preventable, yet according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 13,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2002 and about 4,100 women will die of the disease. The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable and curable if it is detected early; in fact, the occurrence of deaths from cervical cancer has declined significantly over the last 20 to 30 years. Screening younger women using the Pap test is an importance strategy that can actually prevent cervical cancer from developing almost 100% of the time. Research and studies have been found to note that minority populations and persons of low socioeconomic status are affected disproportionately as well. Early detection of cervical cancer can be the first major victory in the fight against cancer. Research is being done to develop a vaccine, but in the meantime, early detection is the key. The primary purpose of the Pap test screening program is to detect abnormal cellular changes that are not yet cancer. These changes, and very early invasive cancer, are virtually 100% curable. When preventative tests are used following an abnormal Pap test, the rate of detection of cervical cancer can be increased. The majority of deaths from cervical cancer are unnecessary and preventable.”