Many deaths from breast and cervical cancers can be avoided by cancer screening. Mammograms and Papanicolaou (Pap) tests are often not used by women who have less than a high school education, are older, live below the poverty level, or are members of certain racial and ethnic minority groups.
Studies show that early detection saves lives. Timely screening for women ages 40 or older could prevent up to 30% of all deaths from breast cancer. Detection of precancerous lesions found during a Pap test can actually prevent cervical cancer, as well as find it at an early stage when most curable.
Mammography is the best available method to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, which is 1-3 years before a woman can feel the lump herself. Women aged 40+ should have routine mammograms every year.
Cervical cancer screening using Pap tests detect not only cancer but precancerous lesions. Women should begin getting a Pap test at 18 years of age or at the onset of sexual activity.
FIVE THINGS to tell your friends about breast cancer:
All women can get breast cancer - even those who have no family history of the disease.
The two most important factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
Women diagnosed with early breast cancer, when the cancer is small and has not spread, have a greater chance of surviving it. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. Get one every year starting at age 40. If you notice any breast changes, tell your doctor without delay.
You can help reduce your chances of developing breast cancer by engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake.
Through early detection and improved treatments, more women than ever are surviving breast cancer.
THE FACTS
| BREAST CANCER | CERVICAL CANCER |
| Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. | The incidence of invasive cervical cancer has gone down over the lat 40 years because of Pap screening and treatment of lesions. |
| It is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. | In 2002, an estimated 13,000 new cases was diagnosed. |
| In 2002, an estimated 203,500 cases were diagnosed. | In 2002, an estimated 4,100 women might die of this disease. |
| In 2002, an estimated 39,600 women might die of breast cancer. | Routine screening for cervical cancer CAN prevent this disease. |
| If detected early, the 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 96%. |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Center for Infectious Diseases
American Cancer Society