U.S. and European Advocacy Groups Launch United, Global Campaign to Prevent Cervi...( Pearl of Wisdom pins are avai...),Health

Pearl of Wisdom pins are available at www.PearlofWisdom.us for $6.95 each and are also available in bulk. All proceeds go to the U.S. Pearl of Wisdom Campaign Fund, dedicated to the support of U.S.-based cervical cancer prevention activities. Visitors can also send "virtual" Pearl of Wisdom pins through the website.

"The elimination of cervical cancer is now a realizable goal and the Pearl of Wisdom is the ideal symbol to spread this powerful message. It is my hope that women around the world and, indeed, everyone takes this symbol to heart and supports our campaign to ultimately eliminate cervical cancer. It is vital that we all work together to ensure that women and their families do not continue to suffer from this terrible disease. This battle can and must be won," said Dr. Szarewski.

About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. In the U.S., the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, 11,070 women will have been diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,870 women will have died of the disease. Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infections with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection that 3 of 4 adults will have at some time in their lives. Most of these infections go away on their own without treatment. Infections that do not go away on their own can lead to cervical cancer.

A Pap test is the traditional method used for cervical cancer screening. An HPV test identifies women who are infected with high-risk types of HPV that could potentially lead to cervical cancer. Clinical studies suggest that screening with both a Pap test and an HPV test offers women aged 30 and older the best protection against cervical cancer. An HPV vaccine is now FDA-approved for girls and young women ages 9-26. It has been
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