News stories, political debates, and television commercials about vaccines for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) have recently brought cervical cancer into the public spotlight. Approximately 1 out of every 10,000 women over the age of 20 in the United States is diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. (Source: Caring 4 Cancer) But, what exactly is it?  Using information made available by the American Cancer Society and WebMD, we found out.

In short, cervical cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells on the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus. The cervix is made up of two kinds of cells: columnar cells and squamous cells. Columnar cells constantly change to squamous cells, and, as a result, some cervical cells can become abnormal. Infection (like HPV) can also cause abnormal cervical cell change. When abnormal cell changes persist over time and become severe, these cells may develop into cervical cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the single most important tool for preventing cervical cancer is getting regular Pap tests because it can detect these abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous. Treatment options for cervical cancer are determined by the stage of the cancer (Stage 0 to Stage IV, with Stage IV being the most advanced) and commonly include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

To learn more about cervical cancer, the stages, and treatments please visit:

American Cancer Society:   www.cancer.org

Women’s Cancer Network:  www.wcn.org

National Cervical Cancer Coalition: 
www.nccc-online.org

If you want a card that “hits the nail on the head” about cancer…well this is it! Send this card and you’ll give someone a laugh while letting them know that you care.

Buy this card and others at www.wdcardz.com.

Whoopzie Daizie Cardz is embarking on a new mission! We want to discover and share stories of amazing people through our Discovering Grace program. Inspired by Sherese Adamson, a friend whose gracious heart and giving spirit guides her life and her battle with cancer, Discovering Grace honors those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, but whose spirit has not.

Starting today, we invite everyone to share stories of grace and love with us. We want to be able to grant a wish or need of someone who has been directly or indirectly impacted by cancer simply because their strength, love, perseverance, and compassion has inspired and encouraged those around them. Although our budget is modest, we can do things like: have their living room repainted, take them on a shopping spree, buy a plane ticket for a loved one…whatever!  You tell us what will most honor and bring joy to that incredible person in your life, and if they are selected they will get it!

Our President, Amy Weaver, will personally select one honoree each quarter from the stories submitted. Please send all stories directly to her at aweaver@wdcardz.com. Honorees will also be featured in the Discovering Grace section of The Daizie Diaries newsletter.

Discovering Grace is our mission, but we need your help.