(Ithaca, N.Y., October 05, 2022) – The Tompkins County Health Department 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 35 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 preventative care and treatment. To learn more about Tompkins County’s health indicators, view our Community Health Reports online at: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/communityhealthreports#table.
The Health Department is 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 the Tompkins County Health Department, 55 Brown Rd., Ithaca, on Thursday, October 6th, 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 35 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 & uninsured welcome! No referral needed. To find out if you are eligible for low-or no-cost screenings, call the Lourdes Cancer Services Program: 1-833-837-4931.
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.
Additional Lourdes Mammo on the Move clinics will be hosted by community partners at the Enfield Valley Grange (178 Enfield Road, Ithaca) on October 22nd, and at the Ithaca Free Clinic (521 W. Seneca St, Ithaca) on November 9th. Call 607-798-5723 to set up your appointment time for any of these options or dial 211 for assistance.
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
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth. Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates or other county announcements via email or text.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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