The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) as an organization dealing with issues like disease awareness, early diagnosis and treatment. The CDC is one of the most important components of the Departement of Health and Human Services and is itself divided into CIO's (Center, Institute and Offices) which implements CDC programmes in a certain area of expertise while still communicating with each other and ensure a resource-sharing system for public health threats. This allows CDC to respond more effectively to each concern and public health issue.

The major objective of CDC's activity is to supply people with information, expertise help and various tools that they can use to keep themselves safe from any health threats. Methods of doing this include public awareness campaigns, health promotion, disease prevention and overall preparedness for any possible dangers for our health and that of our loved ones.



Since cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, the CDC is very actively involved in making sure that women are aware of the dangers of cervical cancer, HPV infections and other rusk factors generated by an unhealthy lifestyle. By undergoing regular Pap screenings any woman can be sure to detect any abnormality of the cervix at a stage where it is still 100% curable. Two tests are most commonly used to diagnose cervical cancer or precancerous lesions. The Pap test is the most frequently used screening procedure as it is also one the most reliable screening tests available for all cancers. This test looks and is guaranteed to detect any precancerous changes of the cervix. Women should start getting the test on a regular basis when they turn 21 or in the first three years after they become sexually active. The HPV test is also commonly used for detecting the infection with the HPV virus and links it to certain cell changes in the cervix. This is used in the case of women over 30 ar women of all ages with inconcludent Pap results.



As a main component of CDC's activity regarding cervical cancer, The National Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program is a program that is aimed at supporting screenings, tracking, monitoring, follow-up treatments and individual case management in patients with cervical cancer or women exposed to the risk of developing it. Partnership development, professional training and public awareness are also significant objectives of the program. One of the main reasons for its popularity is that you can also get free screening through the program if you qualify for one of course. This is basically available for uninsured, low-income and underserved patients but if you want to find out for sure if you qualify, you should call your local program or 1-800-CDC-INFO.