Independence Blue Cross Delivers Important Reminder To Women During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Each year, about 11,000 women in
the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,700 women die
unnecessarily from this disease(1). In recognition of Cervical Cancer
Awareness month, Independence Blue Cross will make more than 100,000 member
outreach calls reminding women that early detection and prevention of
cancer can help save lives.


During this educational campaign, Independence Blue Cross will remind
women ages 21-49 to receive their cervical cancer screening. In addition,
women will be encouraged to discuss the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine,
which is recommended for girls ages 11-12 and females ages 13-26, with
their health care providers. HPV is one of the most common sexually
transmitted infections in the United States and most cases of cervical
cancer are associated with previous HPV infection.



Independence Blue Cross is providing this important reminder to members
because research shows that receiving the three-shot HPV vaccine and
recommended cervical cancer Pap test screening can decrease the chance of
developing cervical cancer(2). However, it is important to note that even
if a woman has had the HPV vaccine, she will continue to require regular
cervical cancer screening by the Pap test and the HPV test when
recommended(2).



"Our goal is to help keep our members healthy today, tomorrow, and well
into the future," Says Dr. Esther Nash, senior medical director of
Population Health and Wellness at Independence Blue Cross. "Prevention is a
key. Providing important reminders about health screenings and
vaccinations, wellness education, and increasing members' awareness of
consumer tools and resources available to them are just some of the ways
we're helping to keep our members feeling great in '08 and beyond."



About Independence Blue Cross



Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern
Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates
provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For 70 years, Independence
Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet
the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals.
Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently
received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality
Assurance.



Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross
and Blue Shield Association. More information about Independence Blue Cross
is available at ibx.


References



1. American Cancer Society, 2007



2. National Cervical Cancer Coalition


Independence Blue Cross

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