Health Department urges Garrett County women to take action against breast cancer

On October 1^st the Garrett County Commissioners signed a proclamation declaring October 2018 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Garrett County, encouraging women to talk to their health care providers about recommended breast cancer screenings. Seated left to right are Commissioners Paul Edward, Jim Hinebaugh, and Larry Tichnell. Standing in second row from the Health Department are Caroline Evans, Tiffany Fratz, Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens, Judy Sines, and Christy Thomas.

The Garrett County Commissioners signed a proclamation this week declaring October 2018 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Garrett County.

“Garrett County is pleased to join with the Maryland Department of Health to encourage women to learn about their risk for breast cancer, talk to their health care providers about recommended breast cancer screenings, and be screened with clinical breast exams and mammograms, as appropriate,” the proclamation reads.

“Women who are 40 years and older need to get screened for breast cancer,” says Caroline Evans, RN, Garrett County Health Department. “Every woman is at risk even if she has no family history or other risk factors for the disease.”

Local women with or without health insurance coverage can use screening services available to them. “There is no reason to go without a screening test,” explains Evans. “Women need to take action. And we can help!”

This year approximately 5,940 Maryland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 810 will die from the disease, making breast cancer the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Research shows that screening mammograms can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women, however, only 62.7% percent of Maryland women ages 40 and older report having a mammogram within the past year.

“We can do better!” Evans said. In Garrett County, the Maryland Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides screening tests at no cost to eligible women without health insurance. For eligible women with and without health insurance, the program may be able to help by scheduling breast cancer screening appointments; helping with transportation to appointments; explaining test results; and arranging any follow-up that may be recommended by a health care provider.

For information about the Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program call 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.

By: Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department