September 23, 2011
Early Cancer Detection Goal of Week-Long Screening Event
“Cancer Services Program Reaches Out to Uninsured Tri-County Women”
Uninsured women 40-years of age and older living in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties can register for free cancer screenings, win prizes and receive a free gift bag for participating in the Love Yourself Screening Event scheduled for the week of October 3rd through October 7th.
The Cancer Services Program, in cooperation with Oneida Healthcare, Faxton-St. Luke’s, Rome Memorial Hospital, Bassett Healthcare Network, St. Elizabeth Medical Group, Planned Parenthood and Mohawk Glen Imaging, will offer mammograms and pap tests at no cost to eligible women. Women 50 years and older can also receive a free at-home colon cancer screening kit.
“Early cancer detection provides the best health outcomes. The goal of the Cancer Services Program is to insure that all women 40 years and older get regular cancer screenings regardless of their ability to pay for these services,” Wendy Hunt, Cancer Services Program Coordinator said.
Each woman who has a mammogram will receive a gift bag containing Bath & Bodyworks products and OPI Nail Polish. All women who have a mammogram are eligible for a drawing to be held for several Vera Bradley handbags and one grand prize of a ‘Pamper Package’ courtesy of Time for Me Wellness Center valued at $150. All women who undergo a mammogram or pap test will receive $10 Wal-Mart gift certificate through the mail.
“The importance of screenings and testing cannot be overstated,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. “The bottom line of this effort, like so many outreach efforts through the Oneida County Health Department, is to make sure that the people of our region know that income and insurance status should not be a barrier to early detection and testing that has been proven to save lives. Through the strong community partnerships that are in place and our aggressive outreach, we want to increase the numbers of people who get tested and live longer.”
Women can determine their eligibility and make an appointment for their mammogram or pap test by calling the Cancer Services Program at 798-5248.
The Cancer Services Program of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties is funded primarily through the New York State Department of Health’s Cancer Services Program with additional support through a grant from the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.’
For more information on the Cancer Services Program or its services, visit our web site at www.ocgov./onieda/health or call 798-5248.
