WELLSBURG - The Brooke County Health Department offers pap smears and mammogram referrals by appointment the first Tuesday of every other month through the Breast and Cervical Cancer screening program.
Uterine cancer - both cervical and endometrial - is curable when detected and treated early. About 90 percent of endometrial cancer, cancer that develops in the tissue lining of the uterus, is curable. Endometrial cancer is most common in women aged 60 to 69. Women who became sexually active at an early age or have had multiple partners are at greatest risk for cervical cancer, according to health department officials.
Warning signs of uterine cancers include unusual and excessive bleeding or unusual discharge. High risk groups include women dealing with infertility, ovulation failure, obesity and those who have had or are having estrogen therapy.
Women older than 20 and those under 20 who are sexually active should have a yearly pap smear and pelvic exam, according to health department officials.
The health department offers pap tests and mammogram referrals every other month. Along with a pap test, a routine pelvic and breast exam is done. Self breast exams are taught.
For information or to make an appointment, call the health department from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (304) 737-3665.
