NUMC OBSERVES OCTOBER AS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH BY PROVIDING BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS, EDUCATION, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
September 24, 2008
Contact: Shelley Lotenberg
(516) 572-6055
shelley@numc.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NUMC OBSERVES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH DURING OCTOBER BY PROVIDING SCREENINGS, EDUCATION, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES ACCESS TO FREE MAMMOGRAMS FOR UNINSURED WOMEN OVER 40 THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH
East Meadow, NY…..October will again see NUMC observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many of the organizations and agencies that provide breast cancer screening, education, information and support offer expanded services and special programs.
“This is an excellent time for women to learn about their risk and get screened for breast cancer, and, we at Nassu University Medical Center, are fully committed to provide access to free mammograms for uninsured women over 40. All women 40 and over should get an annual mammogram and clinical breast exam. Women 20 to 39 should get a clinical breast exam at least once every three years,” said Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the Nassau Health Care Corporation. “A mammogram along with a clinical breast exam is an effective tool to detect breast cancer in its early stage and has been successful in reducing overall cancer and mortality,” Mr. Gianelli said.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in New York State. Each year, nearly 14,000 New York women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 3,000 die from the disease.
“We encourage women to be vigilant, to learn about personal risk and get screened for breast cancer,” said Steven J. Walerstein, MD, Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Medical Director. “When caught early, the chance of survival is high. Talk with your health care provider to schedule your mammogram and clinical breast exam.”
Early detection of breast cancer through mammography and clinical breast examination has led to a significant increase in the numbers of individuals who survive this disease, both in the state and nation. The sooner breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival. Improved treatment options have also led to increased survival among those diagnosed with breast cancer.
If you are uninsured and over 40, there is a program in the Nassau University Medical Center, that provides access to free mammograms for women without insurance, usually the second Saturday of every month. For an appointment to the National Mah Jongg League Foundation Breast Center at NUMC, please call 572-5700.