Planned Parenthood offers breast and cervical cancer screenings for women at any time. These screenings can also be combined with a well-woman exam (which includes a pap smear and check-up). Should you need it, we will refer mammogram services.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a serious health concern. After skin cancer, it is the most common type of cancer in American women. Approximately 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the United States and 40,000 women will die from it.
Breast cancer screenings, such as breast exams, help detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. These breast cancer detection tools can save lives. While most women should do self-exams, clinical exams are also important as health care providers are experienced in being able to tell if a woman's breasts are healthy or if they have lumps or problems.
The American Cancer Society recommends regular clinical breast exams every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and yearly for women after the age of 40.
Cervical Cancer
Experts estimate about 11,150 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2007. Half of women diagnosed with this cancer are between the ages of 35 and 55; however, it is important for women to continue to have regular cancer screenings until age 70 or later. Every year, about 4,000 American women die from the disease.
The quickest paths to eliminating this disease are regular cervical cancer screenings, consistent and correct condom use, and the HPV vaccination for women who have not yet been exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
To schedule your next well-woman exam or for more information about cancer screenings, stop by one of our health centers or call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526).
