October 17, 2012

As part of breast cancer awareness month, Martha Jefferson Hospital wants to make sure that women have access to proper screenings regardless of their financial situation. In this week's Martha Jefferson Healthwise CBS19's Stephanie Satchell has more on a free breast health screening taking place in Charlottesville.

According to the American Cancer Society 226,870 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and an estimated 39,510 women will die from the disease in 2012.

That's why Martha Jefferson Hospital is hosting a free breast health screening to get the word out and possibly save lives.

“Often women, if it's a choice of buying a pair of sneakers for your child or having a mammogram they go ahead and buy the sneakers,” said Mary Beth Revak, Breast Health Liaison, Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Martha Jefferson Hospital Breast Health Liaison, Mary Beth Revak tells us this screening is open to women who are uninsured and cannot afford a mammogram. The hospital is hoping more women in need will take advantage of this event.

“Screening is important because screening tests find disease early. That's the whole idea before you have any symptoms of disease you're able to find a disease like cancer in its earliest stages and that’s when it’s most curable,” said Revak.

In addition to a mammogram, women can learn more about risk factors for breast cancer. Those include having a family history, being obese, not exercising, having a poor diet and aging.

The free breast health screening will be held on Saturday, October 20th at the Outpatient Care Center across the street from the hospital. To make an appointment for the screening, call health connection at 434-654-7009.