Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. Your chances of dying from breast cancer can be greatly reduced by early detection through breast cancer screening. Yearly breast exams by your provider and age-appropriate mammograms are a must in women’s health.
Breast Exams
At your annual, your provider will perform a breast exam. Patients are encouraged to perform self-breast exams monthly. More than 75% of breast cancers are found by women themselves. If you have never been instructed on how to perform a self-breast exam, please speak with your provider at your next visit.
Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment
Cervical cancer screening dramatically reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer. A Pap test or Pap smear is the most routinely used testing to look for such abnormalities. Depending on the date of your last Pap and the results of your last Pap you may need to have testing done at your annual appointment. Every year the provider will review your need for Pap testing. At Center for Women’s Health we follow the most up-to-date guidelines for Pap testing set forth by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Ovarian Cancer Screening
At this time there is no good screening test for ovarian cancer. The best way for early detection is to visit your GYN and have a pelvic exam done yearly. At your visit you should discuss any symptoms that may be signs of ovarian problems, such as bloating or increased abdominal size, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. If these symptoms are persistent, frequent or worsen over time, please contact the office for a visit with a provider.