(ITHACA, NY, October 5, 2023) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is sharing with the community about low or no-cost breast cancer screenings available in Tompkins County this month as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Mammograms are the #1 way to find breast cancer early, while it is most treatable. Those ages 40 and older should plan on receiving a mammogram annually as an effective prevention tool. According to the NYS Department of Health, in Tompkins County 80% of women age 50-75 are receiving breast cancer screenings. However, among those enrolled in Medicaid, only 63.5% received a mammogram in the time between 2017 and 2019. This gap highlights disparities related to poverty, race and geographical barriers, illustrating the impact of social determinants of health on accessing preventive care and treatment. Learn more about Tompkins County’s health indicators in our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) focus on Chronic Disease Preventive Care And Management.
TCWH continues our efforts to address this gap by offering opportunities for low or no-cost breast cancer screenings. We are pleased to once again partner with Lourdes Cancer Services Program to bring the Mobile Mammography Van to Tompkins County to provide low or no-cost breast cancer screenings. The Lourdes “Mammo on the Move” Mobile Mammography Van will be at Tompkins County Whole Health, 55 Brown Rd., Ithaca, on Thursday, October 26th, from 10am-6pm. Call 607-798-5723 to set up your appointment time.
You are eligible to use the van for breast screening if:
- you are age 40 or older;
- you have no current breast health problems or symptoms;
- you have no history of breast surgery, or you had a biopsy over 1 year ago with benign results & no further problems.
You do not need to be a Lourdes patient. Your results can be sent to the healthcare provider of your choice. Insured and uninsured welcome! No referral needed. To find out if you are eligible for low-or no-cost screenings, call the Cancer Services Program: 607-758-5523.
If you would like to learn more about health insurance options, dial 211 to speak with a Health Insurance Navigator or make an appointment online.
While getting an annual mammogram can provide the early detection needed to begin treatment, the following measures may reduce your risk of developing breast cancer:
- Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly;
- Limited or moderate alcohol consumption;
- Breastfeed your children, if possible;
- Talk to your doctor about the risks of hormone replacement therapy and birth control medication.
Learn more about breast and other cancer screenings, prevention and resources online at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/index.htm
Tompkins County Whole Health (formerly the Tompkins County Health Department) envisions a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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