Burlington, VT: The Hicks Foundation, a local non-profit that works to eradicate cervical cancer is hosting their 4th annual Free Screening Day and encouraging men to mark this January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, by getting involved in women’s health care.

“Men often stop me and ask how they can get involved” said Allison Hicks, a cervical cancer survivor and founder of The Hicks Foundation, “many have mothers, sisters or girlfriends who have had an abnormal result and they want to know more and do more to help.”

The Hicks Foundation, which hosts the annual Cinderfella – an event that lets men step up to auction off their skills to fund cervical cancer eradication – is committed to involving men in their education work to eradicate cervical cancer.

“Men have every reason to get involved” said Ryan Townsley, a past Cinderfella and current Hicks Foundation Board member. “Learn about HPV and cervical cancer. Share what you learn with the women in your life and make sure they’re getting screened regularly for cervical cancer.”

“Cervical cancer is nearly 100% preventable” said Emily Blistein, the Hicks Foundation’s former Executive Director “We have focused our outreach to women, but we believe men can be part of the solution.”

Cervical cancer is caused by a common virus, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), that both men and women contract and spread. 2009 also saw the FDA approval of the HPV vaccine, Guardasil, for boys, an indication that HPV also affects men’s health and it is time to involve men in the discussion.
 
The Hicks Foundation works with local health providers to host Free Screening Day.   

Uninsured and underinsured women in Vermont are encouraged to attend. Representatives from Ladies First and Catamount Health Care will also be present to enroll women in continuing health care programs. In addition to free cervical cancer screenings, pap tests, breast exams, and HVP vaccines are available.  Interpreters, childcare, and snacks are provided.  Reservations are recommended but not required.    The Hicks Foundation provides grants for continued medical care, and offers educational programs and policy development about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its connection to cervical cancer.