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Adagio Health Seeks to Lower Rates of Cervical Cancer in Beaver County

New program encourages Black women to get screened this January and beyond

Pittsburgh, PA (January 26, 2023) – January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – and according to reports from both the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative for Economic and Social Justice (SRBWI) and Human Rights Watch – Black women are dying from cervical cancer in disproportionately high numbers every year.

“We know that one of the reasons women of color are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer in the United States is often because they haven’t had a Pap test recently or ever,” said Casey Monroe, Vice President of Disease Prevention Programs at Adagio Health. “Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and there are affordable services available through Adagio Health. Regular cervical cancer screenings are one of the best things you can do for your health.”

A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is a quick, painless procedure that tests for cervical cancer by collecting cells from the cervix with a small swab. Most people who receive abnormal cervical cancer screening results either have human papillomavirus (HPV) infections or have early cell changes that can be monitored or treated early to prevent the development of cervical cancer.

“Face Your Health” is a new program launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designed for African American women ages 21 to 65. The goal is to raise awareness, and to promote early screening that can lead to early detection of any cell changes or abnormalities along with better outcomes for patients.

In the next few months, Adagio Health will oversee the launch of the program in Beaver County. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in Beaver County, 6.4% of residents identify as Black or African American.  The “Face Your Health” program will raise awareness and help steer eligible patients toward low or no cost cervical cancer screening services – even if they don’t have insurance. Using evidence-based interventions, “Face Your Health” encourages women to know their risks, get screened, and spread awareness throughout their communities.

Eligible women will be enrolled in Adagio Health’s BCCEDP – Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program – and will receive cervical cancer screenings along with being connected with Adagio Health Care Navigators who will offer additional guidance around family planning, nutrition, health education, STI testing, and additional social services as needed.

According to the CDC, HPV causes approximately 36,000 cases of cancer in men and women every year. Patients can significantly reduce their risk of cervical cancer by making sure they are getting the appropriate screenings and reducing and/or quitting the use of tobacco products. The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends women should begin regular Pap tests every three years beginning at age 21, and HPV testing every five years at age 30. While these tests are generally available, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, environment, and accessible health care can impact when an individual is diagnosed with cancer.

Adagio Health manages BCCEDP in 62 counties of Pennsylvania. BCCEDP covers breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic testing including clinical breast exams, Pap tests and HPV screening, cervical diagnostic testing, screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast MRIs, breast ultrasounds, and breast biopsies. BCCEDP is available for uninsured and underinsured women ages 21 and over. Eligibility is based on income and household size. For more information on BCCEDP and to find out if you qualify, visit https://adagiohealth.org/cancer-screening-programs

Adagio Health’s newly renovated Beaver County medical office is located in Hopewell Township at 2304 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001, and is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn more, please call 1-800-215-7494 or visit: https://adagiohealth.org/cancer-screening-programs