By MARILYNN MARCHIONE - AP Chief Medical Writer - Associated Press
Friday, February 3, 2012
To many people, breast cancer screening means a mammogram. But for millions of poor women who visit Planned Parenthood, it's usually just a physical exam by the only health professional they may ever see.
The way Planned Parenthood does cancer screening is one of many surprises emerging from this week's dispute with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity. On Friday, Komen reversed itself and said it would keep funding Planned Parenthood after all.
The organization mostly provides birth control and testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Cancer screenings account for 15 percent of its work, and abortions are only 3 percent. The government gives Planned Parenthood money for cancer screening, too.