Through the North Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) we are able to provide free or low cost breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up services to qualified women between the ages of 21-64, with an emphasis on women over 50. As funding is available from other resources, screening services may be provided for women not eligible for BCCCP or when BCCCP funds are exhausted.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.
Did you know?
Any woman can get breast cancer, but more older women get breast cancer than younger women.
Breast cancer is easier to cure if found early and treated right away.
A mammogram can find breast cancer when it is very small. It can be found up to two years before it is felt.
You can have cervical cancer and not know it because there is often no pain.
All women need to get regular PAP tests, even those who are older, past child-bearing age or who are not sexually active.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the opening of the womb.
How can cancer be prevented?
The number of new cancer cases can be reduced and many cancer deaths can be prevented.
Research shows that screening for cancers as recommended helps prevent these diseases by finding precancerous lesions so they can be treated before they become cancerous or by finding these diseases at an early stage, when treatment works best.
You can also lower your risk of getting cancer by practicing general wellness and making healthy choices, such as:
- Exercise
- Weight Control
- Knowing your family history of breast cancer.
- Finding out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.
- Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Getting screened for breast cancer regularly.
Breast cancer screening test
Mammogram: Mammograms are x-rays of the breast and the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A breast MRI is used with a mammogram for women who are at high risk for getting breast cancer.
Breast cancer screening recommendations
It is recommended that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every one to two years.
Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care professional about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
Cervical cancer screening test
Pap test: Pap tests are screenings that look for precancerous cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
HPV test: HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus that can cause these cell changes.
Cervical cancer recommendations
The Pap test is recommended for all women between the ages of 21 and 65 years old, and can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic.
There are times when your doctor may perform a pelvic exam without giving you a Pap test. Ask your doctor which tests you are having, if you are unsure.
Vaccines are available that can protect against certain HPV infections. These vaccines only work to prevent HPV- they will not treat an infection that is already there. The CDC recommends to start vaccinating girls and boys at age 11 - 12 years, but may be given starting at 9 years of age through the age of 26 years old.
How can we help?
We can provide or help to connect you with:
- Screenings
- Follow-ups
- Professional education
- Public education/communications
- Quality assurance
- Surveillance and evaluation
- Mammogram referral
