In 2001, 428 women in Michigan were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and 132 women died of the disease. In addition, eight of Michigan's 83 counties had cervical cancer mortality rates that were higher than the state's overall average (2.5 deaths per 100,000 individuals).

Cervical cancer is largely preventable and usually slow growing. The Papanicolaou (Pap) test is still the most commonly used cervical cancer screening method. In fact, the Pap test is one of the main reasons for the decrease in the number of cervical cancer deaths, by as much as 74 percent, since the test was introduced over 60 years ago.

About the Project
To address the high cervical cancer mortality rates, the MCC sponsored a project in 2002 in which five of the eight counties (Berrien, Cheboygan, Gratiot, Luce, and Sanilac) worked to lower their cervical cancer mortality rates.

The goal of the 13-month project (Sept. 1, 2002 - Sept. 30, 2003) was to develop a community-based collaboration that would identify the communities' perceived barriers to screening for cervical cancer and then develop collaborative efforts with MCC member organizations in their area, local health care providers, local women, local health department staff, the American Cancer Society, and other interested stakeholders.

In general, these collaborative partners talked with women in their communities, identified multiple barriers to screening, and developed public education messages designed to encourage screening. Women who responded to the messages, needed Pap testing, and qualified were referred to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) and to Family Planning Programs in their counties.

Impact of These Efforts
Each county developed its own unique strategic plan to address the high cervical cancer mortality rates.

For example, Berrien County leaders worked with members of community focus groups to develop a public education campaign entitled "A Woman Killer is Stalking Berrien County." The media campaign included public service announcements (PSAs) for radio and television, posters, and highway billboards placed throughout Berrien County, as well as promotion of online materials available via the Berrien County Health Department Web site (www.berriencohlthdept.org).

Cheboygan County developed surveys, media advertisements, PSAs, and flyers. In addition, Cheboygan County leaders sponsored free cervical cancer screening events. The health care providers who performed the Pap tests and pelvic exams donated their services, as did the laboratory that analyzed the Pap tests. A total of 84 women received cervical cancer screening services during these free clinic dates.

Although the project officially reached its conclusion at the end of September 2003, collaboration partners in these counties are still continuing the work of the project in their areas.

Specifically, the Cheboygan County Community Coalition expanded the project to five neighboring counties that also sponsored free cervical cancer screening events. From mid-January through March 2004, the expanded project screened 180 women, of which 70 were enrolled in the BCCCP. Out of the 180 women screened, four cancers were diagnosed.

The evaluation of the Cervical Cancer Community Collaboration Project is ongoing, and impact data are still being collected. Preliminary results indicate that the project increased awareness of cervical cancer among both the public and providers in these communities; increased cervical cancer screening rates, including women who are rarely and never screened for cervical cancer; and increased enrollment into the BCCCP.

To Learn More
For more information, contact Ann D. Garvin, MS, CNM, of the Michigan Department of Community Health Cancer Prevention & Control Section at 517-335-9087 (e-mail: garvina@michigan.gov).

last updated: 07/08/05

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