Cancer screening clinic for women Nov. 7

Vernon - The Vernon Township Health Department will conduct a female cancer screening clinic, by appointment only, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 7, at the Health Department in the Municipal Center on Church St. The examination will include a thin prep Pap smear and a pelvic and breast examination. Fee is $20. Sussex County women who qualify can receive a free screening, including a mammography, through a state grant. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women begin yearly Pap tests approximately three years after they become sexually active, but no later than age 21. Screening should be done every year using conventional Pap tests and every two years using the liquid-based Pap tests. At or after age 30, women who have had at least three normal tests in a row may get screened every two to three years. Women 70 or older, who have had at least three or more normal Pap tests in the last 10 years, and women with a total hysterectomy, may choose to stop cervical cancer screening. ACS guidelines for the detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women are: Women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. Women 40 and older should have a physical examination of the breast every year, performed by a care health professional, such as a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner. This examination should take place near, or preferably before, the annual exam. Women from 20 to 39 should have a physical examination of the breast every three years, performed by a care health professional, such as a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner. Women 20 and older should perform breast self-examination every month. Some women mistakenly believe they do not need examinations once they have stopped having children. They should continue to follow the ACS guidelines. All Vernon residents aged 18 years and older are eligible to attend. To make an appointment or for more info, call 973-764-4055, ext. 2268.