October Designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Garrett County

The Garrett County Commissioners signed a proclamation on Monday, October 3^rd, designating October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Garrett County.

This year approximately 4,880 Maryland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 820 will die from the disease, making breast cancer the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. One of the best tools available to reduce breast cancer deaths is the screening mammogram. But only 56.1% of Maryland women report having a clinical breast exam and mammogram within the past year.

The Maryland Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) in Garrett County can help eligible women get recommended breast cancer screenings.

“Every woman is at risk for breast cancer even if she has no family history or other risk factors for the disease. Women who are 40 years and older need to get screened,” says Caroline Evans, RN local BCCP Coordinator. Local women can use screening services available to them with or without health insurance coverage. “There is no reason to go without a screening test,” explains Evans. “Women need to make time for themselves and make screening appointments. And we can help!”

In Garrett County, BCCP 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:

• schedule their breast cancer screening appointments;
• find transportation to appointments;
• understand test results; and
• arrange any follow-up that may be recommended by a health care provider.

Call the Garrett County Health Department for more information at 301-334-7777 or 301-895-3111.

Cutline: Pictured above with Commissioners Paul Edward, Jim Hinebaugh, and Larry Tichnell are, from left to right, Tammy Beitzel, RN, Nursing Intern; Jennifer Lee-Steckman, Director of Personal Health; Rodney Glotfelty, Health Officer; Caroline Evans, RN, BCCP Coordinator; and Sharon Custer, Prevention Specialist.

For Immediate Release:  October 10, 2016

Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7689