Breast and Cervical Cancer Information

Bra Art Challenge From 2005 to 2009, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health's Learn To Live Program, in partnership with the Annapolis Quilt Guild, sponsored an annual Bra Art Cup of the Month Challenge to increase breast cancer awareness and screening in the County. Due to reductions in Maryland State grant funding and staffing, the Department will not sponsor the contest in 2010. The Department staff would like to thank everyone who has supported the Challenge and looks forward to working with participants on other Learn To Live activities.

Get Regular Checkups. For Your Life. For Your Health.

There are certain cancers - breast and cervical cancer in particular - that women need to know about. In fact, 357 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in Anne Arundel County. The good news is that through education, early detection and prompt treatment, we are seeing the mortality rate from both breast and cervical cancer decrease. So it is critical for women to get educated and checked for these cancers.

What can you do to protect yourself from breast and cervical cancer?

• Order a free Women's Health Kit or call the Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979.
• Ask a doctor about your need for a mammogram or Pap test. Beginning at age 40, you should discuss mammography with your doctor to understand the benefits and risks and to determine what is best for you. By age 50 all women should receive regular mammograms. A mammogram can often detect a lump two years before it can be felt. Pap tests are recommended regularly as part of an overall physical exam.
• Know what is normal for you. The signs of breast and cervical cancer are not the same for all women. Talk to your doctor about any changes you notice. See a doctor if you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding or abnormal breast changes, like lumps.
• Women between the ages of 40 and 64 may qualify for the Department of Health's program for free breast exams, Pap tests and mammograms. Eligible women receive coupons for free care by private health care providers throughout the County. View the Free Health Exams for Women fact sheet.
• Women who are breastfeeding can reduce their future risk of breast cancer by postponing weaning. The total number of months a woman breastfeeds can impact lifetime risk. Breastfeeding is good to both mothers and babies.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices.You can do things that are good for your health and might lower your risk of getting cancer. It is never too late to adopt healthy behaviors like maintaining a healthy weight, adding exercise into your daily routine and limiting alcohol intake.

Hot Links! View these websites for more information about breast and cervical cancer:

• American Cancer Society
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Cancer Institute

Anne Arundel County Department of Health Links and Downloads

• Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
• En Espanol-Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
• General Health Screening Guidelines for Men and Women Brochure
• HER Newsletter
• Make a Promise Health Information Card