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For Women: Detecting Breast & Cervical Cancer
Advances in medical technology mean that breast and cervical cancer can be detected and treated more effectively than ever before. Cancer screening saves lives by detecting cancer early; it is also the first step in preventing many cases of cancer from ever developing. Speak with your physician or provider to identify your individual risk factors and discuss which preventive health screenings are right for you.
Breast Cancer Screening
Clinical breast exams and mammograms are the most effective screenings for early detection of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can detect cancer early enough for it to be successfully treated, well before lumps can be felt in the breast. Mammograms are safe and effective, that's why Providence Health Plan (PHP) recommends:
- An annual clinical breast exam by your physician or provider for all adult women
- A mammogram every 1-2 years for women age 40 and older
Clinical breast exams and mammograms are the most effective screenings for early detection of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can detect cancer early enough for it to be successfully treated, well before lumps can be felt in the breast. Mammograms are safe and effective, that's why Providence Health Plan (PHP) recommends:
- An annual clinical breast exam by your physician or provider for all adult women
- A mammogram every 1-2 years for women age 40 and older
Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix develops slowly and usually causes no symptoms. Regular Pap tests can prevent cervical cancer by finding cells that can be treated before they become cancer.
PHP recommends:
- A Pap test for women who are sexually active or age 21 and older, at least every three years.
Most cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Make sure your doctor knows about your sexual historyor if you have had a sexually transmitted infection.
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