Take Care of Yourself Your friends and family need you! Every Woman Matters Program DHHS Office of Women’s and Men’s Health

Cancer Facts Cancer is a disease in which cells of the body grow out of control Cancer is often named for where it starts in the body We’ll talk about breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening

Breast Cancer Facts Both women and men can get breast cancer Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women African American and Hispanic women are more likely to die of breast cancer than white women

Cervical Cancer Facts Cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable with regular screening tests and appropriate follow-up care Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV)

Colorectal Cancer Facts Colorectal cancer affects both men and women It usually starts from a precancerous growth in the colon or rectum Screening tests find these growths so they can be removed before they turn into cancer

Our Key Messages Know Your Risk Get Screened Act on Warning Signs Make Healthy Choices

Know Your Cancer Risk A family history of certain cancers can increase your risk Cancers on both your mother’s and father’s sides of the family can be important Other risk factors are related to lifestyle choices, prior therapies, and other things that can be out of your control

Know Your Cancer Risk It is important to remember that people without any known risk factors can still get cancer Review Risk Factors/Family History Worksheet

Preventive Screening Preventive screening refers to tests that are done to detect cancer BEFORE any symptoms are reported Preventive screening tests can find cancer early when it can be treated most successfully.

Most Common Screening Tests Cancer Test Breast Mammogram Cervical Pap Test Colorectal Colonoscopy Stool Test

Breast Cancer Screening A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and can find breast cancer when it is very small and chances for survival are highest 3D mammograms can provide multiple views of the breast. MRIs are another type of screening test Talk to your doctor about what type of screening is best for you

Cervical Cancer Screening The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if not treated appropriately The human papilloma virus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes

Cervical Cancer - HPV Prevention HPV is so common that nearly all men and women get it at some point in their lives HPV is passed from one person to another during sex While most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems, HPV can cause several different types of cancer HPV vaccination can prevent most cancers from occurring

Cervical Cancer - HPV Prevention The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given up to age 26 If you or your child haven't gotten the vaccine yet, talk to your doctor

Colorectal Cancer Screening Stool tests are usually recommended every 3 years Colonoscopies are usually performed every 10 years, if the previous test is normal Your doctor may recommend additional tests or more frequent tests if you have risk factors

How Risk Affects Screening Share your risks with your health care provider. Together you can identify what cancer screening tests you need to get, and when you need to get them

Paying for Screening The costs of preventive screening tests can be covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other health programs like Every Woman Matters and Nebraska’s Colorectal Cancer Program

Local Screening Support Some people fail to get screened because they are afraid of the tests, or of getting the results Local community health workers can provide assurances and even go along to offer support

Local Cancer Screening Support If you have problems with transportation, childcare, or getting time off from work, community health workers may be able to help Review Local Contact Sheet

Preventive Screening Can Save Your Life! Don’t ignore your doctor’s recommendations If your results are abnormal – see your doctor for follow up When caught early, most cancers are curable!

Know Your Body Every woman needs to know her body Know how your breasts normally look and feel Notice If you have blood in your stool or unusual bleeding or discharge Be aware of stomach pain aches or cramps that don’t go away or a loss of weight for no reason

Act on Warning Signs The warning signs of cancer are not the same for everyone Review Breast Changes in Breast Health brochure Review Symptoms in Colorectal Fact Sheet

Act on Warning Signs ANY breast changes need to be reported immediately to a health care provider Other cancer warning signs should be shared with your doctor right away Get a second opinion if you need it. Don’t wait and worry!

Make Healthy Choices Be physically active Eat more fruits and vegetables Get to and maintain a healthy weight Limit alcohol intake

Make Healthy Choices Limit hormone use Breastfeed, if you can Manage stress Be tobacco free Practice safe sex

Take Care of Yourself Know Your Risk Get Screened Act on Warning Signs Make Healthy Choices Your friends and family need you!