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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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!

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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!

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

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

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