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 Protect Yourself from Breast and Cervical Cancer-
James Noble, Medical Laboratory Director
Every woman is at risk for breast and cervical cancer. Health care
providers are encouraging all Missouri women to protect themselves by
making routine cancer screening a part of their personal health care
plan. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight
American women will develop breast cancer and each year in Missouri,
at least 250 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Although all women are at risk for getting cervical cancer, it is
largely preventable and treatable if detected early. Women who die of
cervical cancer are often those who have not had a Pap test in more
than five years. The most common risk factor for cervical cancer is
the human papilloma virus (HPV), a tumor-producing virus responsible
for genital warts. The most common way that HPV is spread is through
sexual contact. Most health care providers believe that more than 90%
of cervical cancers are a result of HPV. Other risk factors include
early age of first sexual intercourse, multiple sex partners and
multiple births. Cigarette smoking, including passive smoke or second
hand smoke, is also risky because it may cause changes in the cells
that may later lead to cancer. Cervical cancer may have few signs or
symptoms and therefore may go unnoticed until a Pap test is done.
First signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding. The American Cancer
Society recommends screening with a Pap test for all women when they
reach age 18 or the age of first sexual intercourse if before 18.
After initial screening, the American Cancer Society advises a Pap
test yearly or as advised by the doctor. The test is inexpensive,
quick, and usually painless. Missouri is ranked 13th in the nation for
cervical cancer deaths among women.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death of women.
Seventy-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO
risk factors other than age and the fact that they are a woman.
Eighty-five percent of women diagnosed have NO family history.
Research shows that breast cancer deaths could be reduced by 30% if
women followed the recommended breast cancer screening guidelines that
include a simple, three-step early detection program:
●
monthly breast self-examination
●
yearly clinical breast examination by a healthcare provider
●
annual mammogram beginning at age 50
Both the Pap test and breast examination are offered at your local
I-70 Family Clinic for a nominal cost and yearly screening is
generally covered by your insurance or Medicare provider or you can
obtain screenings through your county health department through
Missouri’s Show Me Healthy Women Program.
Missouri's
Show Me Healthy Women Program (formerly Breast Cervical Cancer Control
Project) Provides free breast and cervical screening services to
eligible low-income underinsured or uninsured Missouri women aged
35-64. This program is a joint effort between the Department of Health
and Family Support Division. Log onto the I-70 Medical Center website
at
www.i70medcenter.com for
eligibility requirements.
I-70 Medical Center through an agreement with Ellis Fischel Cancer
Center in Columbia Missouri is offering Mammograms through a Mobile
Health Center once a month. Call our Radiology Dept at (660) 335-7432
for dates and times and to make appointments.
All of this information and more can be found on our Medical Center
Website at
www.i70medcenter.com and New!
this Month listen to our I-70 Medical Moment on KMZU Radio, 100.7 on
the FM dial where James Noble will be discussing health topics that
affect you and your family and where you can go for the help that you
need.
Click Here for
Reference Guide to Show Me Healthy Women's Program Eligibility
Requirements |
