UAB, American Cancer Society, Alabama Department of Public Health among groups working to eliminate cervical cancer in Ala. by 2033

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - UAB has partnered with the American Cancer Society, Alabama Department of Public Health, TogetHer for Health, and the Rotary Club of Birmingham to create the Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Statewide Action Plan.

Dr. Isabell Scarinci is the Vice Chair for Global and Rural Women’s Health at UAB. She said cervical cancer is preventable and hopes one day the cancer will be completely eliminated. Alabama ranks third in the country for mortality rates related to cervical cancer.

“In Alabama, we think, we know that the lack of screening and the lack of follow-up are the two reasons that women are dying of cervical cancer,” said Scarinci.

There are three main ways to prevent cervical cancer. The first is getting an HPV vaccine. Children are eligible as young as 9-years-old. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.

The second is women getting screened for the cancer, and the third is women with an abnormal screening to follow up with their doctor. in Alabama, 40% of women who have an abnormal screening in Alabama do not come back for a follow-up.

With these tools available, the Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Statewide Action Plan focuses on prevention, awareness, education, and expanding access to care.

“The great thing about this plan is that everyone has an opportunity to do something,” said Scarinci.

The goal of the action plan is to eliminate the disease in the state by 2033. Scarinci said while this is an ambitious goal, she hope to see cervical cancer as a thing of the past.

“If we all work together, if we vaccinate our children, women get screened and women follow up, we can eliminate this cancer.”

More information on the action plan can be found here.

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