PHOTO: The American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s Mobile Mammography Program vehicle. File photo
More than 30 women last Thursday received free mammography screenings in Woodhaven, according to City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), the event’s sponsor.
The free breast cancer exams were provided by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s Mobile Mammography Program and available to females age 40 and older, regardless of their insured status.
The School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center on 88th Avenue hosted the program last Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“Early detection saves lives,” Ulrich said. “This mobile mammography program helped those who may not have otherwise been able to receive these vital screening services. It is important that people have access to life saving, preventive health screenings.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, after skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the country.
“Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped improve the screening and diagnosis and advances in the treatment of breast cancer,” the clinic noted. “Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths steadily has been declining, which is largely due to a number of factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.”
By Michael V. Cusenza michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
