SITKA – In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital (MEH) is offering free 3D mammogram screening to women who make an appointment in October. 3D mammography is the latest breakthrough in early breast cancer detection and is only available in Sitka at Mount Edgecumbe Hospital.
All women are at risk for breast cancer – it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer) among Alaskan women. Regular screening can often find breast cancer early when treatments are most likely to be successful and increase the chances of long-term survival.
“Cost should not prevent a woman from getting cancer screenings, and this opportunity gives women free access to the current gold standard of breast cancer screening.,” said Martha Pearson, SEARHC Health Promotion Director. She added, “It is important to note that the 3D mammogram does not have to take place in October, but women must call before the end of October to schedule it. This is an excellent time to encourage all Sitka women to take care of their health.”
All Sitka residents, regardless of where they receive primary medical care, are eligible to receive the 3D breast cancer screening if they meet medical guidelines for mammography. SEARHC is encouraging women to take advantage of this potentially life-saving opportunity.
For more information, to see if a screening mammogram is right for you, or to schedule a free 3D screening mammogram, Sitkans can call Loretta Coleman, RN at 966-8782.