Breast and Cervical Mammograms 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many facilities are offering 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.

At the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas), the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCC) and Mammography Voucher Program (MVP) offer these screenings all year at no cost to eligible low-income women who are uninsured and between 40 and 64 years old.

If a woman has her screening through these programs and a problem is found, she can get further testing at no cost and can receive treatment if she is diagnosed with breast cancer.

DOH-Pinellas provides initial appointments at several locations throughout the county. To see if you qualify, call the number that corresponds with your age: If 40 to 49 years old, call (727) 820-4117; women 50 to 64 years old should call (727) 824-6917. For information online, go to www.PinellasHealth.com and click on the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program link.

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.

For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com.