The health department provides preventive breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up as a participant of The Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program.
Women receive clinical breast exams and mammogram referrals. Preventive services also include counseling and education on cancer prevention.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
- Women over 40 years old
- Family history (Mother, Sister, or Daughter) of breast cancer that occurs before the age of 50
- No pregnancies
- Obesity
- Early age (< 12 years old) with onset of menstrual cycles
Early diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer offers women better treatment options and better chance of survival and becoming cancer-free.
Cervical cancer is considered to be a preventable disease. Pap smear tests are recommended to screen for cervical cancer. Pap tests are recommended to begin at age 21 years or earlier based on the individuals need. There is even a vaccine now available the health department for both young girls and boys that can help prevent certain types of cancer including cervical cancer.
Screening and follow-up services are provided from local health care providers (Advanced Practices Nurses and Registered Nurses) and referrals are provided to private physicians and medical providers through contracts with local health departments. The program is funded by both state and federal funds and is part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.