Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention

Our Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention program helps reduce the impact of these cancers in our communities.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Early detection is critical.

Warning signs of breast cancer include a new lump, swelling, irritation, discharge and breast pain. Keep in mind that everyone is different and may experience different symptoms or no symptoms at all. If you have any signs that worry you, see a doctor right away.

Prevention
Breast cancer screenings check a woman’s breasts for cancer before there are other signs or symptoms of the disease. Although breast cancer screenings cannot prevent cancer, it can help detect it early, when it is easier to treat. All women should be screened for breast cancer, and women between 50 and 74 are recommended to get a mammogram every two years.

Cervical Cancer

All women are at risk for cervical cancer, which occurs most often in women over age 30. Most cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). Early cervical cancer may not display any signs or symptoms, but advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal bleeding or discharge.

Prevention
Cervical cancer is highly preventable thanks to two common screening tests; a Pap test looks for precancerous cells on the cervix, and an HPV test will detect the virus that causes these changes. Women are recommended to start getting Pap tests at age 21 and every three years with normal results.

​Services

District 4’s clinics offer screenings to help detect breast and cervical cancers. With early detection, we can help reduce and treat cancer cases in our communities. Some of our services include:

• Clinical breast examination
• Pelvic examination
• Pap test
• Mammogram referrals
• Referrals for diagnostic services (including surgical biopsies at a reduced cost)
• Assistance with application for Women’s Health Medicaid treatment coverage
• Education on self-breast exams and preventative lifestyle choices
• Follow-ups, if appropriate

​Patients

This program serves women ages 21-64 who are uninsured or underinsured and are within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. We offer health department services on a sliding scale fee based on need.