October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Free Screenings Offered in New Hampshire to Eligible Women

Concord,  NH – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign organized  by  major  breast  cancer  charities  and other organizations to increase awareness and to stress the importance of early detection. The Let No  Woman  Be  Overlooked Program at the New Hampshire Department of Health and  Human  Services  (DHHS)  provides  free  breast  and  cervical  cancer screenings  to women who meet recommended screening guidelines, live in New Hampshire,   are   between  the  ages  of  18  and  64,  are  uninsured  or underinsured,  and  have  a  limited income. The Let No Woman Be Overlooked Program  would  like  to  remind  all women that October is a great time to schedule  a  mammogram. Since beginning screening services in 1997, the Let No Woman Be Overlooked Program has enrolled more than 22,000 women.

“The earlier breast cancer is found, the easier the course of treatment and more  likely  women  are  to  have  a good outcome,” said Dr. José Montero, Director  of  Public  Health  at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human  Services.  “Women  should  talk  with  their health care provider to schedule regular mammograms as appropriate for their risk.”

According  to  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most common cancer among adult women in the United States and the  second  leading  cause of death from cancer among women. Breast cancer can  be  diagnosed  early,  when  it is more likely curable.  New Hampshire breast  cancer  screening rates are one of the highest in the U.S. In 2010, 83.2%  of women in the State over the age of 50 reported having a mammogram within  the past two years. That is a great achievement, as mammography can detect  breast  cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective; and consequently contributes to decline in mortality.

Many women are not aware that if they meet age and income criteria they can receive FREE breast and cervical cancer screenings in New Hampshire through the  Let No Woman Be Overlooked Program. To determine if you or someone you know   is   be   eligible,  please  call  1-800-852-3345,  x4931  or  visit www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdpc/bccp/index.htm.