January is Cervical Cancer Screening Month

Shannon Miller says, “If you’re 30 or over, ask for the HPV test!”

This month, Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller is joining forces with QIAGEN, maker of the digene HPV Test, which detects the cause of cervical cancer – high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).  She is also showing support for the “Pearl of Wisdom Campaign to Prevent Cervical Cancer” by wearing a special pearl pin (available at www.pearlofwisdom.us).

Shannon recently became passionate about cervical cancer prevention after her mother was diagnosed with the disease last summer.  Thankfully, her mother received treatment right away and is doing well now.

Please help Shannon spread the word about cervical cancer prevention.  All women need routine Pap smears throughout their lives, but women 30 and over – those most at risk for developing cervical cancer – need to ask their doctor or nurse for the HPV test as well.  When both tests are combined, the chance of missing cervical disease is almost zero!

For more information about the HPV test, visit www.theHPVtest.com.