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New Cervical Cancer Screening Option

During January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, BBAHC's Laboratory is launching a new HPV screening test that patients can do themselves. HPV (human papillomavirus) causes nearly all cervical cancers. The HPV test detects high-risk types of HPV that are more likely to cause precancers and cancers of the cervix. 

This test is most often done on a sample of cells collected by a health care provider during a pelvic exam, which is the preferred option for cervical cancer screening. But self-collection of a sample is now an option, when you visit your Primary Care or village clinic.

Self-collection might be a good option for you if you have physical or personal reasons, such as:

  • Trouble getting up on the exam table
  • Anxiety about having a pelvic exam
  • Pain or discomfort during the pelvic exam
  • A history of sexual trauma
  • Cultural or religious beliefs
  • Transportation, time constraints, or other barriers to traveling for screening

 

Check with your health care provider to see if self-collection in the clinic is an option available for you.  Getting this important screening could save your life!

Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation manages Kanakanak Hospital, a critical access facility, which is Joint Commission accredited, receives Health and Human Services funding, and is covered through the Federal Tort Claim Act with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including liability for medical malpractice claims, for its officers, board members, employees, and certain health profession contractors and health profession volunteers. Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation is recognized by the US Government and State of Alaska as a tribal organization under PL 93-638.