WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition of Labor Union Women, the only national organization for union women, and the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the nation's largest organization representing black workers, together applauded the recent introduction of legislation that would require Medicare to cover testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of cervical cancer, as part of cervical cancer screening for older women. The Medicare Cervical Cancer Screening and Detection Coverage Act of 2007 [H.R. 4055] was introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and co-sponsored by Allyson Schwartz (D-PA).

Women age 65 and older account for nearly 20 percent of all new cervical cancer cases and more than 35 percent of all deaths from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. Nearly three dozen leading health, women's, and other advocacy organizations have already voiced their support for the bill.

"Cervical cancer can be a devastating disease, yet it is preventable," said Rep. DeLauro. "Knowing if an older woman has HPV could help determine if and how often she should continue to be screened. This can help save older women from the anguish of a cervical cancer diagnosis, and can help ensure that Medicare resources are directed toward those who really need them."

According to the CDC, the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer for African American women ages 65 and older are more than two times greater than those for white women of the same age group. "We are dedicated to eliminating the racial disparities in healthcare in our country. While cervical cancer rates are decreasing slowly in the United States, that's not the case among African American women who have the most to gain from this bill," said APRI President Clayola Brown. "We are proud to align with the Coalition for Labor Union Women on this issue to ensure older women of all races have access to the same technologies as younger women."

This year, the American Cancer Society reports that 11,150 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,670 women will die of the disease. While cervical cancer incidence rates in the United States have shown a decline over the past several years, the average annual incidence rate was highest among Hispanic and African American women -- a 50 percent higher incidence of cervical cancer among African American (compared with White) and 66 percent higher incidence among Hispanic women (compared with non-Hispanic). And cervical cancer rates rose with age for all groups.

Hispanic women ages 65 and older also have a higher incidence rate and mortality rate of cervical cancer than do white women.

"The Coalition of Labor Union Women is particularly pleased that the bill has been introduced. Through our Cervical Cancer Prevention Works program, which educates union women about HPV and cervical cancer, we've learned that older women often do not realize that they are at risk for cervical cancer and that high risk HPV can be detected early, before it develops into cervical cancer," said Marsha Zakowski, CLUW president.

Jean Hervey, Executive Vice President of CLUW, attributes her good health today to asking for the HPV test when she had her routine Pap test some years ago. "It's so important to eliminate the barriers to access. This bill is the first step in helping older women of all races have access to HPV testing."

About HPV Testing

The Pap test, the traditional method of screening for cervical cancer, is approximately 50 to 85 percent accurate, depending upon the type of test used. An HPV test was approved by the FDA in 2003 for use with a Pap test in women age 30 and older. Research shows that this approach increases to nearly 100 percent a clinician's ability to identify women who are at increased risk for cervical cancer and require more diligent follow-up care.

HPV testing is included in cervical cancer screening guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Cancer Society. Most private insurance companies and state Medicaid programs already cover HPV testing as part of routine cervical cancer screening for women age 30 and older.

About CLUW

The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), America's only national organization for union women, is a nonpartisan organization within the union movement. The primary mission of CLUW is to unify all union women in a viable organization to determine common problems and concerns and to develop action programs within the framework of the unions. CLUW is committed to promoting affirmative action in the workplace; strengthening the role of women in unions; organizing unorganized women; and increasing the involvement of women in the political and legislative process. Its members, representing 60 international and national unions across the U.S. and Canada and more than 75 chapters, speak out on various issues, including equal pay, child and elder care benefits, job security, safe workplaces, affordable health care, contraceptive equity, and protection from sexual harassment and violence at work.

CLUW's support of this bill is spearheaded by its Cervical Cancer Prevention Works project.

About APRI

The A. Philip Randolph Institute is the oldest AFL-CIO Constituency Group. It has 141 chapters in 32 States. APRI spearheads the "Black-Labor Alliance" an initiative to build black community support for the trade union movement and to convey to labor the needs and concerns of black Americans. With more than 150 chapters in 36 states, APRI members are involved in political and community education, lobbying, legislative action and labor support activities.

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Source: The Coalition of Labor Union Women

CONTACT: Carolyn J. Jacobson of CLUW, +1-202-508-6901

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