- What are the risks of developing cancer?
- The main risks associated with developing breast cancer are being female and aging. A woman's chance of getting breast cancer increases with age. The table below lists the National Cancer Institute's (1999) assessment of risk:
| AGE |
RISK |
| 40 |
1 out of 217 |
| 50 |
1 out of 50 |
| 60 |
1 out of 24 |
| 70 |
1 out of 14 |
| 80 |
1 out of 10 |
| Ever |
1 out of 8 |
- When should I get a mammogram?
- At the age of 40, a woman should be having a mammogram every year. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography screening guidelines with your doctor.
- What is a mammogram?
- A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine that uses a small amount of radiation. Your breast is positioned between two plastic plates. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to flatten the breast and get a good, clear picture. The entire exam takes about 15 minutes.
- Will the mammogram be painful?
- This varies from woman to woman. If you are still having your monthly cycle, it's best to schedule the exam about a week to 10 days after the onset of menses when the breasts will be least tender. Some women report discomfort; however, this lasts only a few seconds. The benefits of annual screenings could save your life.
- I do my monthly self-breast exams. Why do I need a mammogram?
- While it is good to be familiar with your own breasts so you can report something unusual to your doctor, it does not take the place of an annual clinical breast exam by a health care provider. And a mammogram can often detect a lump long before it can be felt, making treatment more successful.
- I feel a lump, but my mammogram was normal.
- A lump should never be ignored just because it is not visible on a mammogram. Mammography is highly accurate, but it is not perfect. In this case, you should request further diagnostic tests. Eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous, especially in premenopausal women, and they normally go away by the end of the menstrual cycle. But do not ignore a change in your breast.
- What are some other signs that I should have my breast checked by my doctor?
- If you have any of these symptoms, have your breast checked by a health care provider:
- any new, hard lump or thickening
- a change in breast size or shape
- dimpling or puckering of the skin
- swelling, redness, or warmth
- pain in the spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle
- pulling in of the nipple
- nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- an itchy, sore, or scaly area around the nipple
- What is a Pap test?
- A Pap test is an exam that allows the health care provider to collect cells from your cervix, the opening to the uterus. These cells are then examined under the microscope to check for changes that could lead to cancer. This simple test has greatly decreased death rates associated with cervical cancer. With regular Pap tests, no woman should die of cervical cancer.
- What are the warning signs of cervical cancer?
- Often there are no early warning signs or symptoms of cervical cancer. That is why regular Pap testing is so important. Some signs and symptoms that need to be reported may be: bleeding from the vagina after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause; watery, bloody discharge from the vagina that may be heavy and smelly; and a dull backache or general poor health (in later stages of the disease).
- Who needs to have a Pap test?
- Any woman who is sexually active or 18 years old or over. This includes women who are postmenopausal and/or no longer having babies. Most cases of cervical cancer are found in women who have never had a Pap test or had the test done too infrequently. You have to keep getting the test done regularly, whether or not you are postmenopausal, no longer sexually active, or not having symptoms.
- How often should I have a Pap test?
- Every year. If they are normal for 3 years in a row, your health care provider will tell you how often to have them.
- I can't afford to go to the doctor. How can I get these expensive tests done?
- For women 40 years old and over who meet eligibility guidelines, Washington County Health Department's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) can pay for you to have a clinical breast exam, Pap test, and mammogram routinely. Call 240-313-3235.
- What if I am under 40 years old?
- Washington County Health Department offers clinics for women of all ages to have clinical breast exams and Pap tests. Call 240-313-3296 for more information .
- What if there is something wrong? How will I pay for the follow-up that I need??
- The Diagnosis and Treatment component of Washington County Health department's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) is available to women of all ages who have had an abnormal clinical breast exam, Pap test, or mammogram. An application is involved that requires proof of income. If eligibility is met, this program covers the costs of any further work up needed to rule out, or confirm, a diagnosis of breast or cervical cancer.
If you think you might qualify for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, call 240-313-3235 today. Take a step in promoting your own good health. We'll determine your eligibility over the telephone and assist you in scheduling these very important tests.
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