"Dancing with the Stars" host and cervical cancer survivor Erin Andrews fights to save lives

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., March 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Every two hours, one woman dies of cervical cancer.¹ To change this stat, Hologic, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLX) announced today that it is partnering with sports reporter and host of "Dancing with the Stars," Erin Andrews, to mobilize women to take control of their health and ensure they are being regularly tested for this preventable cancer.²

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8286551-hologic-we-can-change-this-stat-erin-andrews-cervical-cancer/

In 2016, Erin was diagnosed with cervical cancer following her routine annual exam. Fortunately, her cancer was found early and was treated. As part of the new We Can Change This STAT initiative, Erin will share how her experience with cervical cancer has shaped her perspective today, including how she's maintaining her own health and encouraging other women to do the same by getting their annual exam.

"Today, I'm cancer-free. Going to my doctor for regular testing saved my life – I can't emphasize that enough," Andrews said. "No matter how busy you are, you have to find the time to be tested regularly for cervical cancer."

Cervical cancer is not only treatable; it's preventable. However, approximately 8 million U.S. women ages 21 to 65 years old reported they had not been tested for cervical cancer in the last 5 years.² In addition, more than half of new cervical cancer cases occur in women who have never or rarely been tested.³ "If you're not getting tested," said Andrews, "you're putting yourself at risk."

In partnership with Hologic, Erin will advocate for women to get tested regularly for cervical cancer. In addition, new tools will be available to help women prioritize and maximize their doctor visits. More information is featured at ChangeThisStat.com and in the offices of healthcare providers nationwide. Women can also follow the story on the We Can Change This STATFacebook page and Erin's social media channels.

"For more than 20 years, Hologic has been dedicated to improving women's health and well-being through early detection," said Tom West, president, Diagnostic Solutions division at Hologic. "Many insurance policies cover cervical cancer testing with no deductible, and there are clinics across the country that provide testing at low or no cost. No matter their circumstances, women can and should get tested regularly for this preventable cancer." 

Hologic is the market-leading supplier in the United States of Pap tests and HPV (human papillomavirus) tests, frequently used together on the same sample to screen for cervical pre-cancer and cancer (an approach known as Pap+HPV Together or co-testing). According to guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women under the age of 30 should get regular Pap testing, with co-testing being the preferred approach for women 30 to 65.⁴

"Surviving cervical cancer made me recognize how fortunate I am to be in a position to advocate for lifesaving tests," said Andrews. "I'm asking every woman to join me in making an appointment for their annual exam – and to tell the women they love to do it, too."

To learn more, please visit ChangeThisSTAT.com.

About cervical cancer
Over the last 40 years, the number of cervical cancer cases has been cut in half, thanks largely to regular testing, which can identify abnormalities before they become cervical cancer.⁵

Though about eight out of 10 women will contract HPV at some point in their lives, most of the time the virus goes away. In some cases, however, it can remain and promote development of cervical cancer. For women between 30 and 65, the preferred screening approach is to test with Pap+HPV Together, which detects 95 percent of cervical cancer cases.⁶ Screening with both tests also prevents more cases of pre-cancer than either test used alone.⁶ In fact, the largest retrospective study of cervical cancer testing strategies found that one out of five cases of cervical cancer was missed when the HPV test was used alone.⁶

About Hologic
Hologic, Inc. is an innovative medical technology company primarily focused on improving women's health and well-being through early detection and treatment. For more information on Hologic, visit www.hologic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about the use of Hologic's diagnostic products. There can be no assurance these products will achieve the benefits described herein or that such benefits will be replicated in any particular manner with respect to an individual patient. The actual effect of the use of the products can only be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the particular circumstances and patient in question. In addition, there can be no assurance that these products will be commercially successful or achieve any expected level of sales. Hologic expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements presented herein to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

Hologic and The Science of Sure are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Investor Contact:
Michael Watts
+1 858.410.8588
michael.watts@hologic.com

Media Contact:
Jane Mazur
+1 508.263.8764 (direct)
+1 585.355.5978 (mobile)
jane.mazur@hologic.com

References:

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SOURCE Hologic, Inc.