House OKs education about cervical cancer

The House of Representatives on Friday approved the creation of an education campaign about the causes and risks of cervical cancer.

"This is a bill that I believe will save the lives of many women," said HB358 sponsor, Rep. Karen Morgan, D-Cottonwood Heights.

Morgan originally sought to launch a $1 million campaign to educate and vaccinate women against the most common infections that cause cervical cancer. The vaccine, Gardasil, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2006.

Morgan's initial bill was defeated in committee, however, and Morgan came back with the version that was supported with a 56-10 vote. HB358 would provide a $25,000 ongoing appropriation to the Utah Department of Health for the public awareness campaign for health-care providers, parents and women of all ages.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 50 cervical-cancer cases will be diagnosed in Utah in 2007. When caught early, cervical cancer has a 92 percent five-year survival rate, according to the organization.

"It's imperative that we get the word out to young women, and women in general, that there is a cure, a possibility to avoid this senseless death," Rep. Sylvia Andersen, R-Sandy, said Friday.

HB358 now goes to the Senate Rules Committee, which will decide whether it will be considered by the full Senate. It must also be approved for funding by legislative budget officials.