A pap smear is needed to see if you have cervical cancer, the test is able to detect the cancer early. If the cancer is detected early, that means you have a higher change of survival.
A mammogram is used to see if you have breast cancer, the machine checks for unidentified lumps within the breast tissue. Same as cervical cancer, early detection of breast cancer means you have a higher chance of survival.
Places in the Kansas City Area where you can get screened include the Kansas City Health Department, Planned Parenthood, or one of the hopsitals within the University of Kansas Health System. Your primary care doctor will also be able to help you set up an appointment.
You should make your first visit to a gyneocologist when you are sexually active or once you turn 21 years old. At 21, expect them to schedule a pap smear, they will go into more detail about the procedure. At 40 be prepared for them to schedule a mammogram, though if you feel an unusal lump or have a history of breast cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about scheduling one sooner.
Get screened often and early. Make sure you are taking all the right steps to be the healthiest you can be and take it one step at a time!