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GO PINK IN OCTOBER FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

By Maggie Hall, Public Information Director

October 03, 2018

DOH employees wear pink for cancer awareness.

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) is spotlighting Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by encouraging prevention to fight cancer.

DOH-Pinellas’ Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides women ages 50-64 with lifesaving mammography and cervical cancer screenings. During the 2017-2018 program year, the program exceeded its goal by screening 1,062 women. During the year, 27 were diagnosed with cancer and are receiving treatment via Medicaid.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the U.S., and the third leading cause of cancer deaths.  When to start mammogram screenings, and how often to repeat them, is a decision for a woman and her doctor, based on her health history, her risk factors and the current recommendations of professional medical organizations.

During October, some facilities offer mammograms at reduced rates to encourage women to be screened. A reduced-rate mammogram may not always be the best option. If an issue is detected in a woman who is uninsured, there aren’t many options for further testing or treatment. A screening by a State of Florida program would provide more options if the patient is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Women can call (727) 824-6917 for information about screenings. For information online and for the program forms, go to http://pinellas.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/bccp/index.html.

For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com or follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.