Oswego Health continues to partner with State Senator Patty Ritchie to offer free mammograms and clinical breast examinations to women who meet certain criteria.
In October, Oswego Health held its Power of Pink event which brought attention to the issue of breast cancer. As a part of this event, Senator Ritchie provided funding for the free screenings. Since the event, 20 women have taken advantage of the free mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Oswego Health will offer the screenings once again in December. The screenings will be available at the Fulton Medical Center on December 1st and 8th and at Oswego Hospital on December 1st and 11th. Women over the age of 40 who have not had the screenings in the past three years are eligible. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling Carin at 349-5513.
“A digital mammogram with computer aided detection is one of the tools I use to diagnose breast cancer,” said Surgeon and Oswego Hospital Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Allison Duggan, MD. “Screening mammography remains the most practical and cost-effective study available for the early detection of breast cancer today and is an unparalleled asset in our fight against breast cancer. I also encourage women to have a yearly clinical breast exam, which is another vital screening tool that should not be overlooked.”
Senator Patty Ritchie provided the funding for these important wormens services. “With breast cancer being the second most common form of cancer affecting women, it’s critical that females take steps—like having regular mammograms—to protect their health,” said Senator Ritchie.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and is the second leading cause of death among women. Each year it is estimated that more than 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
“We are pleased to continue this important women’s health program and hope area women will take advantage of this program,” said Oswego Health’s Director of Community Health Services Brenda LaMay, FNP.