The war against cervical cancer

Cervical cancer has historically been one of the leading causes of cancer death for women in the U.S. Despite the fact that it is a largely preventable disease, cervical cancer continues to affect 13,000 people in the U.S. every year, with African Americans having the highest rates of disease. Planned Parenthood works to decrease these numbers with regular screenings for women and vaccine against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.

Planned Parenthood’s effort to prevent cervical cancer is accomplished in three main ways: Pap tests to detect abnormal cells, treatment for abnormal cells, and vaccine to prevent HPV for both men and women. These methods, combined with prevention education for women, men and teenagers, can greatly reduce cervical cancer rates.

Planned Parenthood services are available to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. In addition to cervical cancer prevention, Planned Parenthood offers a full range of reproductive health services, including contraception, breast health exams, sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and abortions.

Planned Parenthood has four convenient locations in South Los Angeles. To schedule an appointment, call or visit www.plannedparenthood.org.

Dorothy Hecht Health Center (South L.A.)

, Los Angeles, CA 90003

Planned Parenthood Basics—Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw Health Center

3637 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016

S. Mark Taper Foundation Center for Medical Training

400 West 30th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Stoller-Filer Health Center

11722 S. Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059