New Cervical Cancer Education Resource Available
Date: 20-Jan-04

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition Encourage Women to Learn Facts That Could Save Their Lives

Chicago, January 20, 2004– The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) today announced the availability of an education kit designed to inform health care consumers about cervical cancer, including basic information about the disease, screening, detection and treatment options.

"Since January is Cervical Cancer Screening Month, this is an appropriate time to educate women about this almost entirely avoidable disease, and the importance of screening and early detection," said Karl C. Podratz, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation.

Thanks to an unrestricted grant from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, the presentation was developed by GCF and is available on the Women’s Cancer Network Web site, www.wcn.org, and on the National Cervical Cancer Coalition’s Web site, www.nccc-online.org.

"It is our hope that this educational presentation will serve as a valuable resource for women, and motivate them to get screened during January and maintain their gynecologic health throughout the year," said Juan C. Felix, M.D., chairman of the NCCC Medical Advisory Board.

Approximately 12,200 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer and an estimated 4,100 women die from the disease. With education, appropriate screening and treatment, cervical cancer is largely preventable.

GCF is a not-for-profit charitable organization established by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists to support gynecologic cancer research, to fund training of clinician scientists, and to increase public awareness and information related to gynecologic cancers and their precursors. For more information, please visit www.wcn.org or call 1-800-444-4441.

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) is a growing coalition of women and family members/caregivers, women's groups, cytotechnologists, pathologists, laboratories, technology companies, cancer researchers and hospitals interested in a grass roots campaign to educate the public about cervical cancer prevention, new screening and treatment options, and follow-up programs.  To learn more about NCCC, please visit www.nccc-online.org.