Ad (jpg)    Ad (pdf)
Webmasters: please link ad to this page.

"Know the Facts"
About Cervical Cancer Prevention

The American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) and the National Council of Women's Organizations (NCWO) -- to which CLUW belongs -- have launched a campaign, "Know the Facts About Cervical Cancer Prevention" designed to give women information they need to best protect themselves from this preventable disease.

>> Tell 5 friends about the campaign
>> Read AFL-CIO blog about the campaign

CLUW participates in "Beat the Clock" Walk! 
2007 story and photos

CLUW's commitment
to eliminating cervical cancer

In April 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new screening test to help determine which women age 30 and over are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This screening method uses a DNA test to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, in combination with a Pap test. The DNA test identifies the 13 types of HPV most commonly associated with cervical cancer.

At its March 2003 National Executive Board meeting, CLUW adopted a resolution of support of FDA approval of annual HPV screening for all women 30 and over. CLUW urges all unions to:

• Cover all FDA-approved HPV testing, as recommended by the American Cancer Society.
• Cover annual office visits with obstetrician or gynecologist for counseling on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, breast and other cancer screening, and, as deemed appropriate by the clinician, cervical cancer screening.
• Protect patient confidentiality.

In addition to its own new cervical cancer awareness program -- Cervical Cancer Prevention Works -- CLUW is actively working with public education programs to get this information out.

An HPV vaccine is now available for girls and women ages 9-26. Although the vaccine will help prevent many HPV infections, screening will still be needed to prevent cervical cancer. See
HPV Vaccine: Questions and Answers