ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES INCLUDE:

We will ask Covid screening questions when you register and when you come to our clinic. Most insurance is accepted. We serve everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

A MAMMOGRAM CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE

What is a mammogram and how can it help me?

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. Mammograms can find lumps when they are still too small to be felt by a patient or their doctor. Finding breast cancer early can lead to more treatment options and reduces your risk of dying from the disease. It’s always important to work with your doctor to check your breasts in addition to getting a mammogram.

Who should get a mammogram?

An annual mammogram is recommended for people 40 or older. Talk to your doctor to discover if you are at higher risk and should have additional tests or more frequent mammograms.

How do I prepare for my mammogram?

Don’t wear deodorant, perfume, lotion or powder under your arms or on your breasts the day of your exam. These might make it difficult to read the x-ray. Let us know if you have breast implants. Bring prior mammograms or have them sent to us in advance of your appointment. When you make your appointment: Tell us if you might have difficulty sitting up, lifting your arms or holding your breath.

What can I expect during my mammogram?

You will need to take off your outerwear and bra. You will stand in front of the x-ray machine. Your breast is placed on a small platform. A clear plastic plate presses down on your breast for a few seconds: this might feel uncomfortable. The technologist will take several pictures of your breast. A specialist will then review the pictures.

How do I get my results?

Results will be mailed to the patient. For any abnormal results, patients will be contacted to make an appointment to discuss results.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENINGS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF PREVENTITIVE HEALTHCARE FOR MANY PEOPLE

What is a cervical cancer screening test and how can it help me?

Early cancer detection can help prevent cancer or find it early. We offer two cervical cancer screening tests:

• Pap test (Pap smear) that looks for changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated. The changes are called “precancers.”
• HPV test that looks for a virus called human papilomavirus that can cause cell changes.

Who should get screened?

If you have a cervix, you should start getting Pap tests at age 21. Speak to your doctor to find out what tests are best for you and how often you should be tested.

How do I prepare for my cervical cancer screening?

Don’t schedule your test if you will have your period at the time of the test. Two days before and up to the day of your test: Don’t douche, use a tampon, have intercourse, use birth control foam, cream or jelly or any medicine or cream in your vagina.

What can I expect during my cervical cancer screening?

During the Pap test, the doctor will use an instrument called a speclum, to widen your vagina. This will help the doctor examine your vagina and cervix. A few cells will be collected and then sent to a laboratory to be checked and tested.

How do I get my results?

All normal results will be available on the patient portal. For any abnormal results, the patient will be contacted to schedule an appointment to discuss the results.

HPV VACCINES PREVENT INFECTIONS THAT CAN CAUSE CANCER

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause various health problems, including genital warts and certain types of cancer. HPV is the chief cause of cervical cancer, the fourth most common for women worldwide.

How do HPV vaccines protect me?

HPV vaccines are designed to prevent infection by some of the most prevalent strains of HPV, including those responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer and genital warts.

Aside from preventing cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine offers significant benefits: it helps prevent other HPV-derived types of cancer (anal, vaginal, oropharyngeal), reduces the risk of genital warts, and can even render unnecessary medical procedures like colposcopy and cervical biopsies, used to diagnose HPV-related abnormalities.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

It is recommended that both boys and girls receive the HPV vaccine before they become sexually active, ideally between the ages of 11 and 12. Vaccination at this age provides the best protection by helping to ensure vaccination before potential HPV exposure. However, the vaccine can be given to anyone up to age 45 who has not already been vaccinated. Ask your doctor if an HPV vaccine is right for you.

Additional information about the HPV vaccine and cancers caused by HPV can be found on the CDC website

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“It’s a fulfilling feeling: helping people and seeing them happy. Lifting someone’s spirit while also providing a therapeutic experience of self-care—this is why we are here.”