When women’s health services are not covered by insurance, it puts patient health at risk. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer worldwide, and 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Thankfully, these diseases are often very treatable when caught early. Affordable cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings are available at Hackley Community Care.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
While cervical cancer is often diagnosed around age 50, signs of pre cancer may be present from age 20 onwards. Early detection greatly increases a patient’s survival rate and saves them thousands in medical costs down the line. The following persisted symptoms may be a sign to contact your doctor:
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Persistent pelvic and/or back pain
- Increased discharge with a foul odor
After the age of 21, the CDC recommends cervical cancer screenings every 3 years to catch signs of cancer at its earliest stage. Your doctor may recommend more or less screenings depending on your history.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Likewise, be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer:
- A lump under the breast or armpits
- Swelling, redness or pain around the breast
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
Even if you are not experiencing symptoms of breast cancer, early screening is vital to catch cancer before symptoms are present. Women ages 40 and older should schedule a breast cancer screening each year to detect cancer at its most treatable stage.
Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
Hackley Community Care provides free breast cancer and cervical screening to uninsured patients. Women 40+ who are not covered for breast cancer or cervical cancer screenings may receive these screenings and necessary follow-up appointments for free at HCC. An annual physical checkup is also covered by this program.
Interested patients should call the Kent County Health Department at 616-632-7283 to see if they qualify.
Schedule an Appointment
Take time to care for every part of your body. New patients can schedule an appointment at 231.733.6750. Current HCC patients can make an appointment at our Women’s Health Center at 231.733.6678.