October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women. Most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.
Low income women and women with no insurance die from breast and cervical cancer more often than other women. These high mortality rates are attributed in part to the fact that these women generally do not receive regular mammograms and Pap Smears.
LaSalle County Health Department, through an Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program grant, can pay for mammograms and pap smears for women who qualify.
You may qualify if you are a LaSalle or Grundy County resident between the ages of 21 -64 for breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Call (815) 433-3366 for further information on how to receive a free mammogram and pap test.