LEE COUNTY— The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is launching a new cancer prevention program in observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Targeted education for women vulnerable to breast and cervical cancer begins with a prevention program at 10 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2015 at the Renaissance Preserve in Fort Myers.

Data revealed Lee County has geographical pockets of residents with higher rates and later stage diagnoses of these two cancers. There are usually no noticeable symptoms of early cervical cancer.

""The good news is that cervical cancer is highly preventable because of the human papillomavirus immunization and detectable early with the Pap test,"" said Kevin Kirkwood, Health Promotion and Wellness manager. ""The HPV vaccine is a three-shot series for people between 9 years old and 26 years old that can help prevent multiple cancers later in life, including cervical cancer."

Lee is one of two counties in the state to receive grant funding for the program. The first presentation will be held in Suite 104 of the Renaissance Preserve, 4211 Romeo Lane, Fort Myers. It targets women ages 50 to 64, but all women are welcome.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.