Cervical Cancer is Preventable

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 93% of cervical cancers are preventable. 

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

1. Get the HPV vaccine -  The HPV vaccine is the best method to prevent abnormal cancerous cells from forming. Timing of the HPV vaccine matters. It is proven that those who receive the vaccine at the early age of 9-12 will have more protection against the virus when they get older. 

• HPV vaccine age requirement - The HPV vaccine is the most effective when administered ages 9-12. Women and men may get the vaccines at any age, but it is more effective if administered earlier. Learn more about HPV. 

2. Get regular pap smears - Pap smears are done to screen for cervical cancer. Adolescent girls and women should get cervical screenings on a regular basis to check for abnormalities that can lead to cervical cancer.

• When to start getting pap smears - The National Cancer Institute recommends women ages 21-29 get a pap smear once every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer. Women ages 30-65 years should get one every 5 years. Women ages 65 and above should speak with their provider to learn if screenings are still necessary. 

Schedule an appointment

• Find a Women's Health provider on https://www.varietycare.org/providers 
• Call 405-632-6688
• A representative will help you schedule an appointment
• Download MyChart to review your post-visit notes and receive your test results
• Already a patient? Skip the call and request for an appointment with your Women's Health provider throught the MyChart app.

Breast Cancer Screening for Women

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. The progression of breast cancer can be aggressive depending on the type. It is encouraged to take proactive steps and get screened at the appropriate time before signs or symptoms of the disease appear. 

When to Screen for Breast Cancer by Age

• Ages 50-74: Once every two years
• 75 and older: Consult with your provider to see if you need to continue having mammograms
• Ages 25-40: If there is a family history of  breast cancer
  

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Several symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Swelling of a portion or all parts of a breast
• skin dimpling
• inverted nipple or nipple retraction
• red, dry, or flaking skin around the breast
• abnormal nipple discharge (outside of breast milk)
• pain around the breast
• swollen lymph nodes near the collar bone or under the arm
• mass or lump on or around the breast

Consult with your PCP or women's health provider if you are experiencing any of the symptoms. There are several ways to screen for breast cancer. The most common breast cancer screening is called a mammogram. You may learn more about breast cancer screenings here. 

Family History of Breast Cancer

If you have a mother or sister that had breast cancer, you may be required to have mammograms before the age of 50. Consult with your provider to see when you should start screening for breast cancer.

Another way to assess whether you should get mammograms at an earlier age is through the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT), also known at the Gail Model. According to the National Cancer Institute, this tool helps healthcare providers in estimating an individual's probability of developing invasive breast cancer within the upcoming five years or by the age of 90.

Consult with your PCP or women's health provider if you are worried about your breast cancer risk. Call 405-632-6688 to schedule an appointment. 

Diabetes Screening - A1C Test

Women who receive a diagnosis of gestational diabetes during pregnancy face an increased likelihood of developing diabetes later in life. It is crucial for them to undergo testing once every three years to monitor for prediabetic conditions or diabetes. This can be achieved through an A1C test.

To arrange for diabetes testing, consult your Variety Care provider and request an A1C test. All Variety Care locations offer the A1C test. The test will provide results within 6 minutes. If you wish to schedule an appointment, call 405-632-6688.

Symptoms of diabetes in women can include:

• blurred vision
• fatigue
• increased thirst
• unexplained weigh loss
• slow healing wounds
• frequent urination
• numb or tingling feet
  

Diabetes can develop in anyone, regardless of whether they've had gestational diabetes. If you experience any symptoms, please contact your Variety Care provider to schedule an A1C Test. Take proactive steps to understand diabetes and seize control of your health.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States and the third most common worldwide. Colorectal cancer can go undetected for several years. Regular screening is important in early detection and treatment.

Who is at High Risk of Colorectal Cancer?

• Men and women ages 45 and above
• Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease
• Individuals with a personal or fmaily history of colorectal cancer

When to Get CRC Screenings

People ages 45 and above should get a colon cancer screening, or colonoscopy, once every ten years. If an abnormal polyp was found or colon cancer runs in your family, you may need to get a colonoscopy more often. Consult with your PCP to ensure what is best fit for you. 

If you are younger than 45 and expressing symptoms of colorectal cancer, contact your provider and ask for a colorectal cancer screening. 

Take-Home Colorectal Cancer Screening (FIT) Test

Variety Care provides take-home colorectal cancer screening (FIT) tests at all locations. Ask the front desk at any Variety Care location for a test. Learn more about the FIT test here.