Get Health Women's Health
Women's Health
Educational programs vary in length. Some programs deal with unique problems experienced by women. Other topics are presented from a female perspective.
Breast Examination
You should have your breasts examined regularly by your doctor for lumps and other signs of cancer. Talk with your doctor about how often you need breast examinations and about doing breast self-exams. Tell your doctor if you notice a lump in your breast, any liquid coming from the nipple or any change in the appearance of your breast.
A Mammogram Could Save Your Life
You should begin having mammograms regularly by age 40. Some women may need mammograms earlier. A mammogram is an x-ray test that can detect breast cancer when it is so small that you or your doctor may not feel it. At this stage, cancer is most easily cured. Talk with your doctor about when to begin and how often to have this important test. Tell your doctor if your mother or a sister has had breast cancer.
Why should you have a mammogram?
A mammogram can find breast cancer that is too small for you, your doctor or nurse to feel. Tests show that if you are age 40 or over, getting a mammogram every one to two years could save your life.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.
How do you know if you need a mammogram?
If you are age 40 or over, it is very important to get a mammogram every one to two years.
How often should you get a mammogram?
Cancer can show up at any time - so one mammogram is not enough. It is important to return for mammograms every one to two years. If you find a lump or see other changes in your breast, see your doctor right away. See the preventive service chart in the Self Care section.
How is a mammogram done?
You'll stand in front of a machine. The person who takes the x-rays will place your breast between two plastic plates. The plates will press your breast and make it flat. This may be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it helps to get a clear picture. It takes only a few seconds to have a breast x-ray.
Where can you get a mammogram?
To find out where you can get a mammogram, ask your primary care physician, or call the Member Services number on your identification card.
Pap Test
You need to have Pap Tests regularly. This simple test has saved the lives of many women by detecting cancer of the cervix early - when it is most easily cured. Talk with your doctor about how often you need this very important test.
Tell your doctor if you have had genital warts, sexually transmitted diseases (Venereal Disease), multiple sexual partners or abnormal Pap Tests. You may need Pap Tests more often than other women.
Could you have cancer of the cervix and not know it?
Yes-often there is no pain. This kind of cancer kills many women every year.
What does that mean for you?
It means get a Pap test. A Pap test can find cancer early. If it's found early, it's easier to cure.
How often should you get a Pap test?
Get a Pap test every one to three years at your physician's discretion.
How is the Pap test done?
The health care practitioner wipes a swab on the cervix in your vagina. This takes only a few seconds.
Where do you get a Pap test?
From a family doctor, OB/GYN, medical clinic or local health department.
Who needs to have a Pap test?
You do if you are over 18 or you are 18 or under and have had sex. There is no upper age limit for the Pap test. Even women who have gone through the change of life (menopause) need a Pap test every year.
Why is a Pap test important to you?
Because it can tell if you have cancer of the cervix early - while it's easier to cure.
It can save your life!
To find out how to get a Pap test call your primary care physician or your OB/GYN physician today.
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