Early detection is a woman s best defense against breast and cervical cancer.
Early detection means having the recommended screenings at the proper times.
Breast cancer screenings include an annual mammogram beginning at age 40 and annual clinical breast exams beginning at age 18. Cervical cancer screenings include yearly pelvic exams combined with Pap tests beginning at age 18. Timely screenings for women at risk could prevent 15 to 30 percent of all deaths from breast cancer among women older than 40 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When breast cancer is diagnosed before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. When diagnosed after cancer spreads, the five-year survival rate decreases to 21 percent, according to CDC figures.