without health insurance women are more likely to be diagnosed with Late Stage-cervical cancer

without health insurance women are more likely to be diagnosed with Late Stage-cervical cancer -

A recent study by the American Cancer Society found that lack of health insurance plays a very important role in the diagnosis at an advanced stage of cervical cancer. In fact, it is the second strongest predictor of diagnosis at an advanced stage next to patient age group.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 12,170 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2012, 35 percent of them will die of the disease. The fact is, women who do not have health insurance are much less likely to be examined and eventually find their status too late in the disease progression.

• 1-3 cervical cancer patients is diagnosed only after the cancer has spread to nearby organs
• 1 in 10 is diagnosed only after the cancer has reached distant organs
• socioeconomic status, race, marital status and geographic location have all been identified as factors associated with advanced stage at diagnosis in patients with cervical cancer

among women in the study who were diagnosed with cancer:

• 24 percent had private health insurance
• 34 percent were covered by Medicaid
• 35 percent had no health insurance at all

There is some good news. Since the development of the Pap test, the cases of cervical cancer reduced dramatically. If you are a woman with health insurance, you should be able to receive a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer, no charge. This test falls into the category of preventive care, which under the Affordable Care Act is available without additional co-pay for those currently insured.

If you are a woman without health insurance, visit WomensHealth.gov to see the facts about getting a Pap test free or at low cost. You will also find a fact sheet on cervical cancer and a FAQ regarding women's health issues.

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