As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, more and more resources are becoming available to aid women in their battle against one of the biggest healthcare challenges of their lives. Now, on Nov. 7, women in Hernando County can qualify for free cancer screenings.
The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is partnering with the SimonMed Imaging Mobile Mammography Bus to provide free 3D screening mammograms to qualifying women Monday, November 7, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; the mobile unit will be going this day to the Hernando CHD Spring Hill/Premier Community Healthcare, located at 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34606.
“(Women qualifying for these tests) are asymptomatic, uninsured, or underinsured, are low-income being equal to or less than 200% percent of the below poverty level, and between the ages of 50-64,” explained Christina Giron, community program manager of Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program/ Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for WOMen Across the Nation, Florida Department of Health in Pasco County. “For women who are between the ages of 40-49 they are eligible for the mobile unit if they are a minority of race or ethnicity, speak little to no English, have low literacy, and have a disability. Also, if they have a personal history of breast cancer and completed treatment or have family history of breast cancer in a first degree relative (mother, father, sister, or brother). Appointments preferred and no script is required for women 40 years of age and older.”
These complimentary testings are part of a program aiming to serve women across four counties in central Florida.”The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program assists women get access to free or low-cost Clinical Breast Exams, Mammograms, and Pap smears for those who qualify!” said Giron. “The program covers Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, and Sumter counties with partnering providers and radiology facilities across its region.”
Giron says that her program, based in Hudson, is looking to expand its outreach throughout Hernando County.
“To see if you qualify for a free 3D screening mammogram on November 7, contact the program at 727-619-0369,” she said. “Once enrolled into the program you will be scheduled for a mammogram per available time slot.” For more information about the program, visit Pasco.Floridahealth.gov or call (727) 619-0369.
“Our mission is to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts,” said Giron.
