Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening
The best thing you can do for your physical, emotional, and mental health is to take care of yourself and stay educated. Whether you seek answers about an unexpected pregnancy or ensure you are staying sexually healthy here at Obria Medical Clinics, we offer countless women’s health services in Ames, Iowa to help you be the best you.
At Obria Medical Clinics, our highly trained and compassionate medical staff are there to listen to you and your needs. Once we understand your unique story, we offer you guidance and services designed to help you get the right care you need.
If you are interested in taking the driver’s seat when it comes to your health at Obria Medical Clinics, we are ready to give you the tools you need to succeed. Below we go into detail on the women’s health services in Ames, IA we provide to our patients. If you would like to speak to someone regarding your health or if you have questions about pregnancy and the options available to you, we are ready to help.
Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Info
Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent, with regular screening tests and follow-up. Two screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early:
- The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer;
- The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) which can cause cervical cancer as well as other types of cancer.
Well-woman exams generally include a Pap test or HPV test as needed, starting when you turn 21 years old. Most people only need these tests every 3-5 years since cervical cancer typically develops slowly. Your doctor or nurse will let you know how often you should be tested.
Many women have concerns about obtaining a Pap smear, especially for the first time. The staff at Obria Medical Clinics work hard to make patients as comfortable as possible for this exam. Your provider will talk through the procedure and answer any questions you may have. During this appointment, many women enjoy the opportunity to learn and discuss how their body functions and the purpose behind our screening/tests.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
If you have an abnormal Pap test or positive HPV test result, your doctor or nurse may suggest more tests or treatment. This testing can be another Pap test, an HPV test, or a colposcopy — a procedure that helps your doctor look more closely at your cervix to see if there are precancerous cells. During a colposcopy, they might also do a biopsy – a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from your cervix. The tissue is sent to a lab and examined for signs of cervical cancer.
Take Care of Yourself
Whole Care for the Whole You.
Regardless of your need, our caring staff is here to walk with you every step of the way. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest standard of medical care within a comforting, supportive atmosphere from a holistic perspective.