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A mammogram along with a clinical breast exam (an exam done by your doctor) is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early.

This is an exam that should be done every month. In this exam you are checking your own breasts for lumps or other changes. BSE should not take the place of clinical breast exam and a mammogram.

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast.

• Women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
• Women who have had breast cancer or who have a family history of breast cancer, might need to start getting mammograms before age 40 or they might need to get them more often. Talk to your doctor about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram.

The Pap test can find early cell changes in the cervix before these changes turn into cancer. If the test finds cell changes early enough, it can prevent you from having cervical cancer.

The Pap Test is a microscopic examination of cells taken from female organs during a gynecological exam.

• About 3 years after beginning to have sex
• No later than age 21, even if you are not having sex

The frequency with which you need a Pap Test should be discussed with your physician, but most recommend a yearly Pap test.

Yes, Indiana has a program called BCCP.

The Indiana Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) is a statewide public health program. The BCCP provides a free pap smear and mammogram to women who qualify for the program.

• You must be a female between the ages of 40-64
• Women older than 50 qualify for the annual pap smear and mammogram
• Women between 40 and 50 qualify for the annual pap smear
• If the woman is less than 50 and she feels a problem in her breast(s), she may be permitted a mammogram
• You must not have insurance

Regarding the monthly family income, the following are the requirements to qualify:

• If you have a family of 2, your household monthly income must be less than $2,282
• If you have a family of 3, your household monthly income must be less than $2,767
• If you have a family of 4, your household monthly income must be less than $3,333
• If you have a family of 5, your household monthly income must be less than $3,900
• If you have a family of 6, your household monthly income must be less than $4,467
• For families greater than 7 members, add an additional $567 per member and the household income should be less than that number