Powell Valley Healthcare is offering free clinical breast cancer exams throughout October once again as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Women can call the clinic and schedule an …
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Powell Valley Healthcare is offering free clinical breast cancer exams throughout October once again as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Women can call the clinic and schedule an appointment at 307-754-7770. Early detection of breast cancer is the best prevention of serious complications from the disease. In addition to a clinical breast exam, annual mammograms are important in detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages. For those without insurance or the means to afford a mammogram, programs are available to help.
“We want to give women access to these free clinical breast exams, so they don’t miss getting checked, and the opportunity to catch breast cancer early,” said Kristin Greenwald, registered nurse at the Women’s Health clinic. “Sometimes people lose access to health insurance or simply can’t get the coverage they need, and they miss these important screenings.”
In addition to the free clinical breast exams, Dr. Carletta Collins and physician assistant Dan Fong at the PVHC Oncology and Hematology clinic, are offering free consults for women who may be at high risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, if you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister) who developed breast cancer before age 50, you should start doing breast imaging 10 years before the age in which your relative was diagnosed. Also, if you have multiple relatives who have had breast cancer on the same side of the family or have several family members who were diagnosed before age 50, there is increased probability that a breast cancer gene is contributing to this, according to the foundation.
If this is the case, Collins said getting tested for breast cancer gene mutations is very important. She has worked with several women to complete this important testing to help prevent breast cancer.
“Germline genetic testing allows us to identify genetic risks and plan tailored strategies, such as enhanced screening, to improve outcomes for at-risk patients,” said Dan Fong, PA-C. For more information about genetic testing or breast cancer, call the oncology clinic at 307-754-1264.