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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, 3,870 mothers, daughters, and wives will die from cervical cancer in 2008. Over 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed by year's end.

The most important risk factor in developing cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Although most HPV infections do not cause cervical cancer, nearly all cervical cancers (99%) are related to HPV, according to the American Cancer Society. HPV infections are common, but some strains can cause dangerous changes in the cells of the cervix that can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Additional risk factors include smoking, poor diet, family history, and not getting an annual pap test.

Cervical cancer is preventable when it is detected early. Regular pap tests can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find early cervical cancer in its most curable stage.

If you believe your cervical cancer was missed or not diagnosed as soon as it should have been, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.  The attorneys at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat cervical cancer.