Collaborative Effort Brings Cervical Cancer Awareness

Cervical cancer – one of the most common causes of death for American women – can be a silent killer if not caught.

Education is key. So in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Houston Chapter of Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the Fort Bend County Black Nurses Association hosted a program at LBJ Hospital on Jan. 26 to increase awareness.

More than 70 staff and patients attended the program, paid for by a chapter grant from ONS.

“We need to hear about this,” said Maria Muñoz, Clinical Clerk Technician. “It not only benefits us, but patients. When they have a question, we can help them.”

Speakers included Carol Dallred, Advanced Practice Nurse at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Lois Ramondetta, LBJ Physician and Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. They provided staff and patients with eye-opening facts.

Nationally, the American Cancer Society estimates that 10,370 cervical cancer cases would be diagnosed in 2005, and 3,710 women will die from the disease.

The highest at risk are Vietnamese women, followed by Hispanic and African American women. Older women are also at higher risk.

“The number one way to prevent cervix cancer is to have an annual pap smear,” Ramondetta said.