January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and Marion County Public Health continues to offer the “Care for Yourself” breast and cervical cancer prevention program.

Iowa has the second highest overall cancer rate in the United States according to the National Cancer Institute in the latest five-year incident rate, and Marion County is 6th in the state of Iowa for all breast cancer rates per 100,000, according to Marion County Public Health Nurse Judi Van Hulzen. 

Women between the ages of 21 and 64 years of age can receive free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings from a doctor through Marion County Public Heath. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. New Marion County Public Health Director Linsey Spoelstra says public health wants to be able to walk women through the steps of this program and be there for support.

“I think that’s very important and I think education is the most important part of it. Even if we’re not able to help them financially through the program just to have someone talk them through the steps. Just the encouragement and support as you’re going through something that could be very terrifying I think that’s very important.”

Those can find out if they are  eligible for free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings can call Marion County Public Health.