FACTS:

If you are 40 or older you need: a clinical breast exam, a mammogram, pap test and pelvic exam every year.

A mammogram is a type of x-ray that can find cancers that are too small for you or your doctor to feel. Having a mammogram every year after age 40 is recommended and gives you the best chance of finding breast cancer at its earliest stage.

Breast self-exams should be done monthly at least 5 days following your menstrual cycle.

A professional health care provider should do a clinical breast exam yearly.

A pap test checks for cancer of the cervix and problems that might cause cervical cancer.

Pap tests are recommended annually if you are 18 years or older or under 18 and have had sex even once.

Women who smoke are more likely to have an abnormal pap smear and cancer of the cervix than women who don’t.

You can not see or feel early signs of cervical cancer, only a qualified health care profession can give pelvic and pap tests.

Cervical cancer affects thousands of women each year and all women are at risk, but when found early cervical cancer can be treated and cured.

Through the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Project, breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up services are provided to women age 40 and over who do not have health insurance to cover the cost. The services are provided through the local health departments in all 120 counties in the state. The program is part of the Centers for Disease Control’s Nation Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Funds are available for mammograms and follow-up and abnormal pap follow-up.