DOH-GULF/FRANKLIN PROMOTES EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER

Port St. Joe, Fla and Apalachicola, Fla —  In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Florida Department of Health in Gulf and Franklin Counties encourages all women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Over the last decade, survival rates have increased, however, early detection continues to be critically important.

“The Florida Department of Health in Gulf and Franklin Counties encourages women to take charge of their health by scheduling regular mammograms,” said Marsha Lindeman, Administrator, DOH-Gulf/Franklin.  “We offer screenings to uninsured women of low income who qualify through our Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Early protection is the best protection.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of breast cancer increases with age. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when treatment is more effective. Women should talk with their health care provider about individual risk factors and the frequency of receiving mammograms.

The CDC recommends regular mammograms and paying attention to the following changes in the look and feel of the breast, including:

•       A new lump in the breast;

•       A lump that has changed in size;

•       A change in the size and shape of the breast;

•       Pain in the breast or nipple that does not go away;

•       Flaky, red or swollen skin anywhere on the breast;

•       A nipple that is very tender or that begins to turn inward; and

•       Blood or any other type of fluid coming from the nipple that is not milk when nursing a baby.

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FBCCEDP) provides access to the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. The screenings are free or low cost if you meet program eligibility requirements.

To see if you qualify, call DOH-Gulf (850) 227-1276 or DOH-Franklin (850) 653-2111 or call the American Cancer Society National Hotline at 1-800-227-2345 to get more information on the program. 

Medicare insurance also provides mammograms to women age 65 and older without a copay. Please call 1-800-633-4227 for information on receiving mammograms through Medicare.

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