Clinical Breast Exams

A clinical breast exam is an examination of the breast similar to a self breast exam but it is performed by a medical practitioner. This is another way to find lumps in the breast.

What's Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

1. Are you a woman over age 35?
2. Do you have a family history of Breast Cancer?
3. Did you begin your period at an early age?
4. Did you have a late menopause?
5. Do you eat a high-fat diet?

What's Your Risk of Cervical Cancer?

1. Are you a sexually active woman or over age 18?
2. Have you had several sex partners?
3. Have you had several pregnancies?
4. Have you had several vaginal infections?
5. Did you have intercourse at an early age?

If you answer "Yes" to any of these questions, you should have a regular clinical breast exam, mammogram, and pap smear.

What is a Mammogram?

You will be positioned at an X-Ray machine in a standing or sitting position. Your breast will be placed on the X-Ray machine and positioned between a compression device. This may cause some discomfort as the breast is compressed. They will need to take 2 or 3 X-Rays of each of your breasts. This is to reduce your risk and increase chances of early detection of breast cancer.

How do I prepare for a Mammogram?

Before the Exam

Two Weeks Before:

For the most accurate results you should avoid eating high caffeine products like:

• Coffee (optional - for women's comfort)
• Chocolate (optional - for women's comfort)
• Tea
• Cola or other soda pop

That Day:

• Do not use deodorant.
• Do not use anything on your breasts or underarm like powder, ointment or perfume.
• Wear a two piece outfit, so you can undress from the waist up

How to Reduce the Risk of Breast & Cervical Cancer?

Breast Cancer:

• Do monthly breast self-exams.
• Clinical breast exam should be done regularly by your medical practitioner
• Have a baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 40.
• Have a diagnosed mammogram every year or two between ages 40 and 50.

Cervical Cancer:

• Have a yearly pap smear as soon as you become sexually active or when you turn 18.
• See your doctor if you have irregular bleeding; bleeding after intercourse, and unusual vaginal discharge.
• If you smoke, Stop!

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above for cervical career, contact your physician or clinic for a checkup right away.

About The Diseases

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women and the second leading cause of cancer death. Screening by mammography is the single most effective method of detecting breast cancer in its early stage. A mammogram is capable of detecting breast cancer the size of a grain of rice, long before it could be felt. An estimated one-third of the deaths from breast cancer among women age 50+ could be prevented through screening. Yet almost 40% of women age 40+ have never had a mammogram!

Cervical cancer is a disease which attacks the cervix, the narrow neck-like portion of the uterus. The simplest way for women to beat cervical cancer is through regular pelvic examinations and Pap Smear tests.

Where To get Help?

Free or low cost Clinical Breast Exams, Mammograms, Pelvic exams, pap smears and selected follow up procedures are available to Cattaraugus County women who:

• Are age 40 or over
• Have no Insurance
• Or are under insured
• Or unable to access a medical provider

Who we are

The Breast and Cervical Health Partnership of Cattaraugus County is comprised of county agencies, organizations, and corporations which are working together to provide publicity, education, screening, and follow-ups to eligible women. Through a grant received by the Cattaraugus County Health Department from the New York State Department of Health, breast and cervical cancer prevention services will be available and provided at little or no cost.

Partnership Members

• American Cancer Society
• American Olean Tile
• Bertrand Chaffee Hospital
• Cattaraugus - Allegany BOCES
• Cattaraugus County Community Action
• Cattaraugus County Dept. of Aging
• Cattaraugus County Health Dept.
• Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau
• Concord Medical Group
• Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Cuba Memorial Hospital
• Dresser-Rand Corporation
• Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic
• Everywoman Opportunity Center
• Gowanda Medical Center
• Healthy Community Alliance
• Interfaith Caregivers
• Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.
• Olean Advanced Products
• Olean General Hospital
• Olean Medical Group
• Olean Senior Center
• Olean Times herald
• Olean YMCA
• Seneca Nation Health Department
• Southern Tier Health Care System
• Tri-County Memorial Hospital
• University Primary Care
• West Main Medical (Cuba)
• Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)

Breast & Cervical Screening Clinics

Need A Mammogram? Need A Cervical Screening?

The Breast & Cervical Health partnership of Cattaraugus County sponsors low cost or no cost screenings to uninsured or underinsured women, ages 40 and over, at the following locations:

• Bertrand-Chaffee Hospital
• Cattaraugus County Health Department
• Olean, Franklinville and Salamanca offices
• Concord Medical Group
• Cuba Memorial Hospital
• Gowanda Medical Center
• Olean General Hospital
• Olean Medical Group
• Seneca Nation of Indians Health Centers
• Irving and Salamanca offices
• Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Stop by or contact us to talk about The Breast and Cervical Screening Program.