Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Free Breast Exams and Reduced Rate Mammograms Available at the ECCC

The Comprehensive Breast Center at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center is having a one-day walk-in clinic offering free breast exams and reduced rate mammograms Friday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The reduced rate mammograms are for women who otherwise would put off having a mammogram because of limited insurance coverage or lack of it altogether. Ebenezer Medical Outreach will be available to assist in identifying patients who qualify for the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Women with insurance coverage may also participate, but their insurance will be billed for mammograms as usual.

"The goal of our screening is to reach women who ordinarily would not take the time to have their annual breast exams," said Shawn McKinney, MD, surgical breast oncologist with the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. "We are especially concerned about the women out there whose health insurance does not cover these tests, or who have no insurance at all."

"October 20 is National Mammography Day," McKinney said. "It's the perfect day for women to concentrate on their breast health."

Participants in the screening will be seen on a first come, first served basis, so no appointment is necessary. For more information, call (304) 399-6556.