I am a cervical disease survivor.
I take issue with several points in the recent article “Pap test warning in ad campaign may mislead” (WomanNews, Nov. 9).
Numerous studies have confirmed that human papillomavirus is the primary cause of cervical cancer and that a Pap test is only about 50 percent to 85 percent accurate. By adding an HPV test to Pap screening, we can increase to nearly 100 percent the ability to identify women needing early intervention. We can also reduce the frequency of cervical cancer screening, saving our health system money while also saving lives. Most Illinois insurers do cover HPV testing.
My legislation targeting cervical cancer elimination in Illinois, signed by the governor, will help ensure that women are educated about HPV and cervical cancer, and that they have access to advanced and appropriate prevention strategies, such as HPV testing.
