In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cleveland State Community College ACCESS Center and the Mary-Ellen Locher Breast Center at Memorial Hospital have partnered together to offer an event on breast health awareness. On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Memorial Hospital Mobile Health Coach will be parked in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium parking lot on the Cleveland State Campus from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
"All women should have one screening mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. After 40, a screening mammogram is recommended every year," organizers said. If you meet these age guidelines, and have not had a mammogram in the last year, you may participate in this, with or without insurance.
“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, awareness involves education about prevention and treatment, and it also supports survivors and those who have suffered from breast cancer,” stated Natalia Williams, coordinator of Diversity Student Programs. “Having regular mammograms allows the doctors to find breast cancer early. Self-breast exams are very important as well because when breast cancer is found early, many go on to live long and healthy lives.”
"Since screening mammograms are the only mammograms available on the mobile unit, if you have a breast abnormality, even a small change or concern, contact your doctor who may order a diagnostic mammogram. For those patients with insurance, Memorial will file your insurance for you, but you must furnish your insurance card with a photo ID. Memorial Hospital will need to know your doctor’s first and last name in order to know where to send the report," officials stated.
Ms. Williams went on to add, “Cleveland State is definitely pleased to be able to have the mobile mammography unit from the Mary Ellen Locher Breast Center here to provide mammograms. If you have insurance, you need to bring your insurance card and identification and if you are uninsured, you can still receive a mammogram through grant money that is available through the Komen Grant and TBCC program. I hope that many take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. I would also like to mention the first 10-12 people who sign up will receive a free drawstring backpack.”
CSCC students, as well as members of the community who are interested in scheduling a mammogram on Oct. 29, need to call 423-495-4040 or 1-866-591-2254. Although students need to call the numbers listed above to schedule their mammograms, they can also go to Williams’ office in the ACCESS Center of the George L. Mathis Student Center, Room 118 to pick up their registration forms and turn them in at their scheduled appointment time. For more information, contact Ms. Williams at 423-472-7141, ext. 318.