Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Get that annual breast screening

In recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Georgia's BreasTEST & MORE Program wants to remind our clients who received mammograms and clinical exams last year that once is not enough. The best way to fight breast cancer is through regular screening, even if last year's tests were normal.

Studies show that for older women, regular screening through yearly mammograms, yearly clinical breast exams and monthly self breast examination provides the best chance for survival of breast cancer because it provides the best chance to detect the disease in its early stages when it is most treatable. Breast cancer is over 90 percent curable when detected early!

Every woman 40 and older should have a mammogram and a clinical breast examination every 12 months; and do self-breast exams at least once a month even if breast cancer doesn't run in your family.

If you are 40 years of age or older and received a mammogram and clinical exam through your local health department a year ago or more, call today to schedule your appointment.

If you are 40 or older and have not had these important screening tests due to the cost, you may be eligible for a program called BreasTEST & MORE, or other programs under the Breast and Cervical screening programs that the health department has to offer. If you are 65 or older, the cost of mammography may be covered by Medicare. To find out what assistance programs you may qualify for or to make an appointment, call the Fayette County Health Department at 770-461-1178, ext. 5416.