It’s Your Health: Take Charge!

Office on Women's HealthThis Mother’s Day marks the beginning of National Women’s Health Week. The week of May 10th – 16th is recognized as National Women’s Health
Week and is the perfect time to put your health at the top of your priority list! The goal of National Women’s Health Week is to empower women to make their health a priority and to help them understand what steps they can take to achieve better health.
One step that you can take towards accomplishing a healthier you is to have routine screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. The American Cancer Society predicts about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime[1] and most cervical cancers are found in women who have not had routine Pap tests.[2] Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and men in the U.S. but can be prevented by finding and removing polyps during screening.[3]
The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) would like to remind uninsured women aged 40 – 64 that free mammograms and Pap tests are available by calling 435-3653. Free colorectal cancer screening is also available for uninsured women aged 50 – 64. Routine screenings are an important step in the early detection of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Early detection saves lives so get screened today!
[2] American Cancer Society. Cervical Cancer Overview. 2015. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/overviewguide/cervical-cancer-overview-prevention.
[3]American Cancer Society. What are the key statistics about colorectal cancer?. 2015. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-key-statistics.