ST. PETERSBURG — In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Florida Department of Health, Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) encourages all women to receive regular breast exams and mammogram screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

“Every day we try to make a difference in the lives of the women we serve in Pinellas County because early detection is the key,” said Valarie Lee, DOH-Pinellas’ Breast and Cervical Cancer program manager. “We want women to know we are here to help them. At the end of the day, that makes the work well worth it.”

The DOH-Pinellas program was recognized by the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners and the City of St. Petersburg with proclamations in October.

Women ages 50-62 who are uninsured can find the online application for the Pinellas BCCP program and more information at https://pinellas.floridahealth.gov/programs-andservices/clinical-and-nutrition-services/bccp/index.html.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.² The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 21,000 new cases will be diagnosed in Florida this year alone. In 2022, it is estimated that 3,150 women in Florida will die from breast cancer.¹

In 2019, the age-adjusted rate per 100,000 of Female Breast Cancer Incidence in Pinellas was 144.4, compared to Florida at 128.⁴

Over the past ten years, breast cancer mortality rates in Florida have decreased by 14.8%³. Early detection of any cancer is critical to supporting a long and healthy life. Breast cancer is no exception and getting routine screenings is vital to your health. Women are urged to talk to their health care provider about possible individual risk factors and the frequency of mammograms, as well as complete any recommended mammogram screenings.

The Florida Department of Health provides access to free or low-cost breast cancer screenings statewide to women who are uninsured or underinsured, have a low income, and meet the program eligibility requirements. For more information about the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program please visit MakeTimeForScreenTime.com.

Additionally, visit Florida Cancer Connect, a centralized resource hub for cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones. Florida Cancer Connect provides tools to access a centralized resource of trusted information to help you and your family make informed decisions when it matters most.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, 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. To learn about resources
in your area, contact your county health department.

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

¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm. (accessed 31 August 2022).

² American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2022. (https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/#!/state/Florida)

³ Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. (Deaths From Breast Cancer Ten Year Report - Florida Health CHARTS | CHARTS (flhealthcharts.gov))

⁴ Florida Charts, “Female Breast Cancer Incidence,” Female Breast Cancer Incidence - Florida Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health | CHARTS (flhealthcharts.gov). Accessed 10/21/2022.