SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The Georgia Department of Public Health has announced the dates and locations of upcoming mammogram and cancer screenings that it will be holding.
Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. However, many cancer deaths can be avoided through regular screening. When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chance of survival is greatly increased.
“Regular mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early,” said Brooke Deverger, nurse manager of the McIntosh County Health Department. “Early detection is the key to treating breast cancer and surviving. We believe every woman deserves access to this life-saving care.”
Long County – The South Georgia Health System (SGHS) mobile mammogram unit will be at the IGA parking lot on Hwy 84 in Ludowici from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15.
For more information about this event, call the Long County Health Department at 912-545-2107.
McIntosh County – The McIntosh County Health Department is teaming up with the South Georgia Health System for a mobile mammogram event for eligible women. The SGHS mobile mammogram unit will be at the Coastal Market at 5214 Highway 17 in Darien from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Monday, October 28.
To see if you qualify for a free mammogram at this event, call the McIntosh County Health Department at 912-832-5473.
No appointment is needed for either event. Women who are 40 years of age without insurance will be eligible to receive a screening mammogram at no cost as part of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). Women aged 40 and older with health insurance and a mammogram order can also be screened.
Effingham County – The Effingham County Health Department will offer breast exams and cervical cancer screenings on October 22 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at no cost to qualifying women along with referrals for a free mammogram at a later date.
Breast cancer screenings are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance, and cervical cancer screenings are free for women aged 21-64 without health insurance. During the event, free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings will also be available, and all participants will receive goody bags and light refreshments.
“These screenings are real life savers, and we believe everyone should have access,” said Bethany Thornton, Nurse Manager of the Effingham County Health Department. “If you don’t have insurance and you need breast or cervical cancer screening, we want to help.”
Appointments for the event are encouraged but not required. You can schedule an appointment by calling the Effingham County Health Department at 912-754-6484.
For information about other breast and cervical cancer screening events happening around the Coastal Health District this October, visit Coastal Health District.org/Breast Cancer.
