PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND RECOGNIZES NATIONAL OVARIAN AND GYNECOLOGIC AWARENESS MONTH IN SEPTEMBER

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England encourages women to schedule a checkup in recognition of Ovarian and Gynecologic Awareness Month.

 (New Haven, Conn.) – September is both National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) encourages women of all ages to schedule a pelvic exam.

"Families and friends worry about the special women in their lives, especially as they get older. Even if a woman has gone through menopause she is still at risk for diseases, like gynecologic cancer," said Judy Tabar President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. "Yearly checkups are important because cancer can happen at any point during a woman’s life — whether that’s before or after menopause."

Women should talk with their health care providers to see how often they should be screened for cervical cancer based on their age and health history. A regular well-woman visit is the perfect opportunity for a woman to discuss how frequently she needs screenings. As a result of benefits provided through Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act, more women will have access to routine preventive services without co-pay or other out-of-pocket expenses.

PPSNE encourages all women to take charge of their health and use proven preventive services. A cancer screening is one important step to ensure a long future. "Regular checkups are important in protecting women’s health and preventing serious health issues," stated Tabar. "Regular exams and health screenings can rule out or detect life-threatening diseases such as ovarian and gynecologic cancers which will allow women to live longer, healthier lives." Planned Parenthood of Southern New England annually provides more than 16,500 life-saving cancer screenings and other preventative services.

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