Women's Health & Family Planning

The Importance of Women's Health

Preventive health is a necessary part of staying healthy. Women are at higher risk for certain medical conditions, including some forms of cancer and reproductive health issues, which is why healthcare providers screen for specific women's health issues. Onslow County Health Department provides a variety of women's health services, including breast exams and mammograms, pap smears, physical exams, and pregnancy testing. We also have a prenatal clinic that provides a variety of services for expectant mothers. These services can be performed as a part of routine visits and may be covered by insurance. Payments are based on a sliding fee scale, and some services may be free to you.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call (910) 347-2154. Please note that no children are allowed during these appointments. For more information about women's health topics, visit the CDC website.

Breast Exams & Mammograms
Pap Smears & Physical Exams
Pregnancy Testing
Prenatal Clinic

Breast Exams & Mammograms

Breast cancer is a disease in which breast cells grow out of control. There are different types, with different levels of severity. Although breast cancer can occur in men, the majority of cases occur in women. Some forms of breast cancer can be passed down genetically, and most breast cancers are found in women 50 or older (though not always).

Symptoms of breast cancer include:

Appearance of a new lump in the breast or armpit
Thickening of a part of the breast
Dimpling of the skin
Red flaky skin in nipple area or breast
Pulling in of the nipple
Changes in the size or shape of the breast
Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood)
Pain in any area of the breast.

Breast exams are performed to check for possible lumps inside breast tissue and are offered at Onslow County Health Department with all physicals as medically needed. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and, for many women, is the best way to find breast cancer early. Mammogram referrals are available as indicated and/or age appropriate.