Reproductive Health
Breast & Cervical Cancer (BCC) programs
What is Cancer?
Cells in your body are constantly dividing, growing, and dying. When these cells divide in an uncontrolled way due to a genetic error (mutation) they form a lump called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous and do not spread through the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous; they invade nearby tissue and may spread (metastases) through the body. The type of cancer, like breast or cervical cancer just indicates where the cancer started.
Breast Cancer - Are you at risk?
Women may have more than one of the known risk factors but never get the disease. Some factors you can control but others you have no control over. The most important risk factor is being a woman. Consult your medical provider about your risk factors for breast cancer and if you should have a mammogram.
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Known and probable risk factors
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| Being a woman | Getting older |
| Having a mutation of the breast cancer genes | Having a previously abnormal biopsy |
| Having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer | Having high breast density on a mammogram |
| Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer | Starting menopause after age 55 |
| Never having children | Having your first child after age 30 |
| Being overweight after menopause or gaining weight as an adult | Having more than one drink of alcohol per day |
| Currently or recently using combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy. (HRT) | Having your first period after age 12 |
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is not a health care provider and does not give medical advice. The information provided in this material is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or to replace the services of a medical professional.
Cervical Cancer
Early detection is the best protection. Getting regular pap smears can save a woman's life. Many women in the United States who develop cervical cancer have not had a pap smear. Regular pap tests decrease a woman's risk for developing cervical cancer because they detect pre-cancerous lesions at early, treatable stages.
Factors that may affect a persons risk of developing cervical cancer:
- Infection with certain types of HPV
- High number of sexual partners
- Infrequent pap and cervical exams
- Smoking
- Diets low in fruits and vegetables
- HIV infection
Reference: National Institute of Health
If you are
- A woman or man
- Living in Linn County
- Have no health insurance, or are underinsured
- Can't afford health care
- Between the ages of 40 and 60
You maybe eligible for a FREE women's health check! If you would like more information just call the number below:
(541) 967-3888 ext 2319
or
Oregon Department of Human Services
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
Call: 1-877-255-7070